12 MARCH / APRIL 2017 COVER STORY employees complements the bank’s mission to give back to the community. “Very often we have greater than 90 percent participation in the United Way campaign. Giving is part of our culture, whether it is in the form of a financial contribution or volunteering. “About a year ago, we started hosting ‘Fundraiser Fridays.’ Employees pay $5 to wear jeans on Fridays; the proceeds are then donated to a nonprofit in one of our markets. Recently we gave over $600 to the Tornado Relief Fund in Howard County, which was money our employees contributed out of their own pockets.” Please describe the impact of an influential person or people in your life. “On the day I got my driver’s license, my dad was killed in a motorcycle accident. Coming from a normal, middle-class family, he was the breadwinner, and my mom stayed home most of her adult life raising me and my three brothers. I happened to be the oldest child living at home at the time. “I watched my mom work in jobs that required a lot of physical labor, long hours and unpleasant working conditions. My mother is my first source of inspiration and power. Her strength and determination have grown in me. “Mom would be the one to say, ‘You can’t quit now, you’ve gone too far’ ‒ just the kick in the pants I needed at the time. Today, at 75, she still maintains her own lawn, will paint her house and does the majority of the home maintenance. “My predecessor, Richard Cassidy, was also an inspiration. He became a father figure, always pushing me to keep learning. He was a visionary, and we were well aligned on the future of the bank. “Mr. Cassidy would take me to seminars and sit there reading the newspaper, eating peanut M&Ms, paying no attention to what was going on. It struck me as rude at the time but, thinking back, he probably already knew what the speaker was talking about. Maybe this was one of his grooming tactics? “Although I knew that I was named as Mr. Cassidy’s successor in the management succession plan, it wasn’t something we discussed in detail. I viewed the plan as a regulatory requirement, not anticipating we would need it in the short-term. There was no formal grooming plan. “Dick passed away suddenly at age 62 while playing basketball, something he loved. I have told our young leaders this story only to let them know that that’s why I’m so passionate about helping them know and realize their future. I want them to recognize that it’s never too early to start preparing for the unexpected.” Please tell a bit about your home life and pastimes. “I was born and raised in Logansport, and I graduated from Logansport High School. I attended Indiana University-Kokomo so that I could stay closer to home. My husband Steve and I have been married for 19 years, and we have a 16-year-old son, Josh. I also have a stepdaughter, Holly, who lives in Avon with her family. We have two grandchildren, Matti and Case. “I know it’s important for my mental wellbeing to stay active. I try to make exercise part of my daily routine, including yoga, which I’ve been doing for over 15 years. Other pastimes include camping, boating, fishing and photography.” HB Steve and Annette Russell have been married for 19 years. * S. Joe DeHaven retired as chief executive officer of the Indiana Bankers Association at year-end 2016. Amber R. Van Til became IBA president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2017. HOW IS YOUR FLOOD ZONE DETERMINATION PROVIDER HANDLING BORDERLINE CASES? Flood Zone Determinations LOMA/LOMR Assistance Flood Insurance Guidance Interfacing with: Encompass 360, Calyx Point, Byte Pro & Fis-Serv Craig Callahan 800-945-0246 We take pride in our industry leading accuracy and customer service. Find out what a true “community bank” minded company we are. PREFERRED SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE IBA. Serving Indiana lenders since 1991
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