Tell us about your background. Where you grew up, where you went to school, industry experience, your family, and volunteer work.
I was born in North Dakota and moved to the Black Hills when I was eight. I graduated from Lead-Deadwood high school and will always be a “west river girl” at heart! After high school, I attended classes while working full-time to earn my Out-of-School-Time (OST) Credential from Black Hills State University, which is equivalent to an associate’s degree in childhood education specializing in school-aged children. My husband, Kacy, and I moved to Baltic 21 years ago and became attached to the quiet little town. My favorite volunteering opportunity is being a classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement, as it gives me a chance to be with kids again. I like to help pack backpacks for Feeding South Dakota, and am also a member of Baltic’s “Healthy Hometown Committee.” I am relatively new to the banking industry, as I worked with children for over 20 years, but I have loved every moment in my career here at FNBSF that started five years ago!
Q: What is your role at FNB? What does your day-to-day work look like?
As a personal banker at the Baltic branch, I spend most of my day assisting customers with opening accounts, borrowing, navigating them through their financial journey, and helping process transactions in the teller line. I also lead a team that works on updating procedures for tellers and personal bankers, so every day is busy.
Q: What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love that each day is different and that I get the chance to help our customers in so many ways. My favorite thing is opening someone’s first bank account for them! I love to educate young people on banking, managing their finances, and planning for their future.
Q: What is something at the Bank that you’re proud of?
I love that FNB utilizes our strengths as employees and asks us to participate in focus groups and projects as they arise. I have learned so much from being part of several of these projects. There are always opportunities for us to learn and grow here! I also love how FNB gives back to our communities and encourages us as employees to do the same through volunteering, donating, KindnessFirst events, and our Community Card program.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?
In my free time, I love to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. My favorite outdoor activities include hiking, hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, gardening, and walking our dogs.
Q: What is the last interesting fact you learned?
Synthetic soled shoes are one of the most detrimental inventions to the health of humans because they prevent us from “grounding.” “Grounding” or “Earthing” refers to contact with the Earth’s surface electrons by walking barefoot outside that transfers the energy from the ground into the body. I recently stumbled across “The Earthing Movie” and the studies behind this are astounding! I highly recommend watching it. I know my time spent in the garden and at the lake will no longer be in shoes!
Q: If you had $500 to spend at any local business, where or what would you spend it on?
Food! I love to eat out and would support my local restaurants, such as the Someday Café, Baltic Corner, and Classic Corner in Baltic.