What makes your bank unique? Native American Bank is a nationally chartered bank with the specific mission to promote economic development in Native American communities. Nativeowned and led, this one-of-a-kind financial institution was founded to create economic sovereignty within Indian Country. Native American Bank is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a Community Development Enterprise (CDE), and a Minority Depository Institution (MDI), further distinguishing the bank. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? As Chief Lending Officer, my primary responsibility is to lead a team tasked with establishing and expanding the bank’s relationships with our borrowers. Native American Bank has historically been a provider of commercial capital for projects not typically served by traditional banks. The most satisfying aspect of my job, particularly as a tribal member, is seeing the impact of the financing we provide to communities that have not had ready access to capital for development. For instance, the team recently closed a loan to a tribal organization which will allow a reservationbased clinic to triple its capacity to provide behavioral health services to tribal members. This project combined both New Markets Tax Credits with a USDA guaranteed loan to complete the required capital. What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking? The most important thing I’ve learned from my career in banking is the importance of access to banking services by all communities and all people. Native American Bank has a commercial lending footprint. However, Native American Bank has invested in technology solutions that can be accessed by individuals throughout the country and has made computer-based financial readiness education a keystone of the resources the bank provides to the communities we serve. What do you listen to on your morning commute? My choice in commute entertainment depends on the day. I’m a mother to two wonderful teenagers, and I’m a wife to a career-driven and supportive partner. Some mornings require a “woman power” playlist that’s heavy on lady singers/rappers (i.e. Missy Elliott, Cardi B, Beyoncé) that inspires me to remember who I am and what my purpose is. Most mornings, though, include a series of short podcasts that highlight the day’s news in direct and to-the-point messaging, including The Daily and a couple of NPR’s podcasts including Up First and The Indicator. These allow me to remain informed in an efficient way. Shannon Ward Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, Native American Bank CBA Centerpoint What do you enjoy about your job? Being the Community Manager for First National Bank of Omaha’s Boulder and Broomfield Counties, I am involved in many areas of the bank and community. Leading my team of Commercial Relationship Managers is my primary role. I interact with employees and customers every day. I enjoy getting to know customers and their businesses and I enjoy seeing my team and customers succeed. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Our job is to improve the financial wellbeing of our customers, creating a vibrant community. It is very rewarding to see our team be successful in helping customers meet their financial goals. But the most rewarding part of my job is seeing team collaboration and the genuine enjoyment of team members doing what they do every day. What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking? We are trusted advisors to our customers. Trust is what differentiates a financial institution from its competition. Don’t ever jeopardize the trust of your customer. Be honest with them and do the work to know their business almost as well as they do. Understanding their business cycles and cashflows will help you gain that trust. What do you listen to on your morning commute? I listen to many things on my way to work, but mostly books. The books are typically leadership or how to be a better human. My day is remarkably better when I listen to positive reinforcement in the morning. Some of my favorite books are Grit by Angela Duckworth, Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, Start with Why by Simmon Sinek and Good to Great by James C. Collins. Gretchen Wahl Community Manager First National Bank of Omaha Colorado Banker 12
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