Pub. 8 2020 Issue 4

7 The Community Banker down payment program for homeowners to large-scale affordable housing projects. By law, we must give 10% of our profits to encourage affordable housing. In addition to these broad missional goals, I want to see our cooperative make it easier to pledge collateral for loan advances, including using electronic signature CRE loans rather than continuing to require wet signatures. I also love the dedication of our field representatives like Eric Jensen, who serves Montana bankers. I want to do all I can to encourage the high quality of service that comes with your membership. What do you enjoy doing in your free time —when you have free time? My kids were quite worried when we moved them to Montana, but now they look back at their time in the Midwest and wonder what they did there. We love all that Montana has to offer, but my favorite pastime is just hiking through our incredible mountains and enjoying all things outdoors. If you had not gone into banking, what would you have done professionally? That’s a tough question because I feel like I had the career I was meant to live. I found pur- pose, deep friendships and lots of laughter in my banking career, but if I couldn’t be a bank- er, I think I’d find a way to make a career out of writing and communicating with others. What is the most rewarding aspect of working with Montana’s community banks for you? I have been so moved the last few months, listening to our bankers talk about how stressful but rewarding the whole PPP loan rollout was. I know many bankers who worked into the wee hours of the night seven days a week to get it done because our small businesses and communities were in desper- ate straits. I couldn’t be prouder of the effort every Montana banker I know calls the “most stressful but rewarding experience” of their careers. Where can you find a job working with better people? I love it. Montana has seen an increasing number of banks consolidate. What is your review of the future of Montana’s community banks? There are real economies of scale in banking, so the trend of consolidation will probably continue. However, I also think the local touch, especially with small businesses, is valued and can create a way for communi- ty banks to prosper as independent banks. The whole PPP event was a very visible show of how we can punch above our weight in our service to small businesses. I think we showed up the big banks, and many small businesses are still open today because of us. That kind of extraordinary effort by our bankers creates a lifetime of loyalty among our customers. As the FHLB provides a liquidity backstop and local lenders provide the high relationship touch, I would like to think that community banks will continue to earn their cost of capital to justify indepen- dence if they chose that course. Banking marijuana is a very hot topic for Montana banks right now, given the recent vote to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Is there a safe path forward for Montana’s community banks to bank marijuana proceeds or money? I don’t have much insight into this topic, but it seems to me we need federal legisla- tion to give banks a safe harbor. What is the single most important topic you have worked on as FHLB Montana Member Director? As with any organization, leadership is the key to long term success. I am very pleased that when Mike Wilson retired in early 2020, we could attract Kris Williams from the Pittsburg FHLB to be our CEO. I have been very impressed with her lead- ership skills and the new team she has put together in a few short months in the mid- dle of a pandemic. I believe the FHLB will be- come more responsive to member needs as we move forward under her leadership, and I’m proud that I was a director with a voice in that decision. • Down payment assistance • 30-year, low-interest rate mortgages • Quality in-state servicing • Ask your lender about Montana Housing loans HOUSING.MT.GOV