Diane E. DALTON VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER – PEOPLES BANK, MUNSTER What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job was as a runner on the trading floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, working in the foreign currency and agricultural markets. I was responsible for delivering buy, sell and market orders to the appropriate trader for execution via open outcry, and then retrieving the orders once they had been filled. This role taught me the importance of time management, effective communication and attention to detail. What recent professional challenge taught you an important lesson, and how did you overcome it? I applied for an internal position but did not receive the offer. It was a difficult and disappointing experience, but it taught me an important lesson: Sometimes, the timing isn’t right. I used this setback as motivation to refocus my goals and decided to return to school to pursue my master’s degree. How do you stay innovative and forward-thinking in an ever-evolving industry? I actively track industry trends, listen to client needs and embrace new technologies. A growth mindset helps me adapt quickly and stay ahead in a constantly evolving financial landscape. In your opinion, what is the most exciting trend or development in banking right now? One of the most exciting trends in banking is the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance customer experience, streamline operations and improve risk management. AI-driven personalization and predictive analytics are transforming how banks serve clients – making services faster, smarter and more efficient in today’s digital-first financial landscape. BANKER PROFILE 38 HOOSIERBANKER
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