After graduating from high school, I married a hog farmer and needed to find work to help support our household. I took a position at a small community bank — and from there, everything else unfolded. Tell us about the bank’s community investment efforts. Pony Express Bank is deeply committed to community banking, a dedication clearly reflected in its people. Employees actively support the surrounding communities by volunteering with more than 20 local organizations, and many of those employees also serve in leadership roles as board members or trustees. What is the bank’s biggest challenge in the area of internet banking/mobile banking? Older customer segments may face challenges navigating online and mobile banking platforms, making it more difficult to direct them to these channels for information and services. Keeping pace with the latest developments in digital banking is an ongoing effort, and staying ahead of evolving fraud risks adds another layer of complexity. Our entire team remains committed to supporting customers by promoting fraud awareness and providing guidance to help them bank safely and confidently. What’s your favorite thing about your bank/banking in general? This family-owned bank cares about its people in a way I’ve never experienced in all the years I’ve worked with financial institutions. They genuinely recognize and celebrate success, sharing good news across the team. Whether it’s a handwritten note of encouragement, a surprise giveaway or stepping in to support employees’ families during difficult times, their commitment is clear. There’s a true sense of family here, reflected in the many employees who have dedicated more than 25 years to Pony Express Bank. That kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the culture they’ve built. If you didn’t have a career in banking, what other career would you choose? At this point in my life, if I were to pursue something new, I would love to own a greenhouse or a garden nursery. I enjoy working with my hands in the soil and learning which plants thrive in different environments. For now, my husband Carl and I are focused on traveling internationally and exploring and tasting different cultures, and our goal is to visit all seven continents. We also enjoy spending time together at local sporting events with our blended family. The Show-Me Banker Magazine | 15
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