In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I ensure that the operations departments, both loan and deposit, have an efficient process that results in the best outcome for our institution and the employee.

How did you get into banking?
In all honesty, I needed a job in high school to help pay for my gas. My business teacher encouraged me to apply at First State to be a teller, and as the saying goes, "the rest is history." I grew to love the complexity of the industry and how everything worked. As a customer everything seemed simple, but as an employee I learned so much more.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
Growth. I think when there are effective leaders the result is growth. I believe you need to grow your employees in knowledge and confidence, and then there will be growth in asset size and bottom line. A leader should be someone that understands the importance of people and how they can get you to where you want to go. 

Why is banking a great career?
The opportunities are endless in the banking industry. There truly is something for everyone. Anything from finances to salesmen, it really has it all. It is a great industry to help people in many ways. Whether it be to buy their first house, start a business or help teach kids about saving. We are here to help.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
My favorite podcast is "That Sounds Fun" because it starts my day with a smile.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about you or banking?
I have two wonderful daughters that keep us busy and smiling. I love playing sports, being in water and having great friendships. I've been in banking for over half my life!

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I am a lender in our commercial loan department. I assist businesses large and small with financing for real estate, equipment and daily operating costs.

How did you get into banking?
I was given the opportunity to intern at a community bank in the summer of 2014 and enjoyed it so much that I knew I wanted to be a career banker.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
Effective leaders have a clear goal and open communication with their teams. In pursuit of the goal, they identify strengths and foster the growth and development of the individuals on their team, leading to a more efficient and effective team dynamic.

Why is banking a great career?
I continually say that banking is a great career for anyone. I believe this to be true because with the many different departments and skill sets that are needed to make a bank function effectively, it's possible for nearly anyone to find a place that they're passionate about and thrive in.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
A quote a high school coach always said is one that will always stick with me: "The two things in life that you have total control over are your attitude and your effort."

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I am responsible for an $80+ million loan portfolio consisting of a mix of commercial and agricultural lending relationships. Functions include heavy emphasis in community involvement, actively building customer and prospective relationships, managing / advising customers with ongoing financial monitoring and dialogue to maximize bank and client business performance. Duties also include assisting in the management and administration of the Bank's SBA lending functions.

How did you get into banking?
I originally was looking to get into financial planning during college and was wanting a summer job. I had a friend that was working at First State Bank & Trust in Fremont, who encouraged me to think about coming to work there in the summer. I was offered a teller job and worked there until I graduated from college and took up employment as a mortgage / consumer lender.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
​Effective leadership must have the cornerstones of effective listening and a servant's heart. Leaders must be willing to listen more than they speak, allowing them to best know how to effectively approach each circumstance that they encounter. Also, leaders must be willing to serve and get their hands dirty as well, approaching every situation with a positive team approach.

Why is banking a great career?
Banking is a ground-up, growth-oriented industry that rewards hard work and those that continue to want to pursue knowledge and self-improvement. Every day is a learning experience and gives you a chance to make impacts in your community and be a part of something bigger than yourself. If you want a job, seek elsewhere. If you want a career, choose banking.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
It's a tie..."Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action" by Simon Sinek and "You Are Worth It: Building A Life Worth Fighting For" by Kyle Carpenter.

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
Guide and manage my team at the Clay Center branch to grow and continue to provide the best customer service we can give to our customers. I work with Ag and Commercial customers to achieve their business/financial goals.

How did you get into banking?
I worked in the accounting/tax field for 10 years prior, when the bank approached me about a job opportunity and a chance to work in my community I call home today.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
Leading by example and still being a team player to get work accomplished. I'm very supportive of my employees and passionate about their growth within our bank. I would say most importantly being trustworthy to my employees and customers so they know that I'm here for them and their needs.

Why is banking is a great career?
Banking is being part of your community and helping individuals and businesses reach their goals and sharing the joy of their success stories with them.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." -Maya Angelou

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I am a lender with my own loan portfolio which consists of consumer, ag and commercial loans. During the past few years, I have handled the majority of our branches Operating Line renewals and new loan requests. I work with many participated loans from the bookings to daily transactions and correspondence. My day-to-day consists of building loan requests, doing underwriting and due diligence tasks and creating loan documents to get them to the funding stage.

How did you get into banking?
Banking wasn't really an interest of mine starting out. I was commuting back and forth to community college and was looking for something flexible and with part-time hours. I was hired at another bank as a teller when I was 19 years old. It ended up turning into a full-time job and now my career.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
​Effective leadership is when someone knows, understands and exhibits behavior towards the common goal and allows others to learn along the way with them so everyone feels utilized and as if they are contributing too.

​Why is banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career to consider because it offers so many different opportunities to learn and grow such as Operations, Compliance and I.T. Working in banking does not necessarily mean you are constantly handling cash or shuffling papers – there is so much more to banking than I ever imagined, and I have so much more to learn!

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
"You can't control everything. Sometimes you just need to relax and have faith that things will work out. Let go a little and just let life happen." -Unknown

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I am an agricultural and commercial lender. I also maintain our credit analysis software.

How did you get into banking?
I was coloring dollar bills in a suitcase in kindergarten when we were asked what we would bring on vacation. I think that was the start of it.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
​Having the guts to do what is right and having the people that work with you know that there is no other option.

​Why is banking is a great career?
Everybody has a dream, and those dreams rarely don't have a part that deals with money. I really love helping people put together the pieces and help them achieve that dream.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
I really like to listen to Joe Rogan. He is controversial, and I don't always agree with his opinion, but what he talks about helps keep me sharp on both sides of the spectrum.