WaterStone Bank announced the appointment of Mark R. Gerke as the company's senior vice president and chief financial officer of WaterStone Bank and Waterstone Financial, Inc. Gerke joined WaterStone Bank in October of 2005 as corporate controller. Prior to joining WaterStone, he served in various positions with the global professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP, including a role as senior manager in assurance services. Gerke currently serves as treasurer on the advisory board for Best Buddies Wisconsin.

In addition to Gerke's appointment as executive officer of the bank, the company has appointed Kyle Mertz as controller. Prior to this appointment, Mertz served as assistant controller for WaterStone. He previously held roles as financial analyst for Kohls and senior audit associate for KPMG.