What organizational accomplishment are you most proud of this year?
2023 was a trying year for several reasons but the biggest by far was the sudden loss of our longtime President & CEO, Menzo Case, late last year. He was, and in many ways remains, the heart and soul of our institution, and his loss left enormous shoes to fill. He'd always use the term "press on" when there was something particularly challenging to overcome, and that's what we've done in his absence. I'm so proud of how our team has been able to come together to continue to provide great service to our customers and communities.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?
There's always a little bit of luck involved but remember that nothing comes unearned. It is critical that you put in the work and that you're willing to be your biggest advocate. Never be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and always keep learning. Having a strong knowledge base is essential for growth in this industry, and there's no better way to learn than by putting in the work and building relationships with colleagues who have been there before.
What book that you've read recently would you recommend to others and why?
I recently finished reading "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI" by David Grann. The book is about the murder of dozens of members of the Osage Indian nation in Oklahoma in the 1920s. It was a powerful read that sheds light on a disturbing event in American history.