Melani Abel

Melani Abel is senior vice president and director of risk management at Frandsen Bank & Trust. In this role, she provides enterprise-wide leadership over risk management, fraud prevention, cybersecurity governance, business continuity, and digital banking initiatives. Melani works closely with teams across the organization to ensure the bank operates securely, resiliently, and with a strong focus on customer protection and experience. Melani joined Frandsen Bank & Trust in 2010 and has progressed into senior leadership roles, building on a strong foundation in accounting, finance, and risk management. Her professional background enables her to balance technical expertise with a practical understanding of daily banking operations. She holds both Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designations and earned degrees in accounting and finance from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Her leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, clarity, and building systems that safeguard customers while supporting innovation.