Several promotions at Bennington State Bank
Bennington State Bank has promoted several employees. According to the bank, these strategic changes will contribute to the growth and expansion of the company.
New hires and promotions include:
New rental:
Keith Leonard joined BSB in December 2021 as Jr. Wealth Advisor. Leonard graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. As a Junior Wealth Management Advisor, Leonard is responsible for promoting and selling investment and trust management services to new and existing clients, as well as administering assigned accounts.
Specials:
Laurie Aufdemberge, who joined BSB in 2010, has over 23 years of banking experience, has been promoted to Vice President, Head of Mortgages. She initiates the mortgage process for potential clients; preparing, analyzing and verifying mortgage loan applications for the purchase or refinancing of real estate. It has been recognized by the USDA First Time Home Buyers and Rural Development Programs due to BSB’s commitment to these programs which enable many state residents to become homeowners through this partnership with the USDA.
Sevda Baker, who joined BSB in 2020, has been promoted to Jr. Wealth Advisor. Baker graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning. As a Junior Wealth Management Advisor, Baker is responsible for promoting and selling investment management and trust services to new and existing clients, as well as administering assigned accounts.
Toni Born, who joined BSB in 1991, has nearly 35 years in the banking industry has been promoted to Vice President, Retail Manager. Born is responsible for implementing strategic direction and tactics in conjunction with the Head of Retail Banking while ensuring that optimal customer experiences are consistently delivered whether delivered in person, over the phone or by other means. Born provides leadership for the retail sector through branch supervisors.
Shay Cox, who joined BSB in 2007, has over 20 years in banking has been promoted to assistant vice president, portfolio manager. Cox moved from lending operations to the portfolio management department last year. Portfolio Managers provide relationship management and support to Loan Officers in creating, monitoring and managing an existing portfolio of complex loans and borrowing relationships. The Portfolio Manager interacts with clients and assists Loan Officers in all aspects of client service.
Ayla Fairchild, who joined BSB in 2019, has over 11 years in banking has been promoted to assistant vice president, head of lending operations. Fairchild is responsible for lending operations and overseeing personnel management and commercial, real estate, agricultural and consumer lending systems. This includes processing, maintenance, accounting, reporting and customer service functions. Additionally, Fairchild works across all lines of business to ensure the best customer experience.
Steve Phillips, who joined BSB in 2018, has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Senior Credit Analyst. As BSB’s Senior Credit Analyst, Phillips works with other members of senior management to develop procedures that assess and provide advice on credit risk related to the Bank’s lending programs. Senior analysts make recommendations that align with lending policy as well as the Bank’s vision and mission to provide an optimal customer experience.
Carolyn Sichley, who joined BSB in 2019, has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Head of Marketing. Sichley has over 20 years experience in the marketing industry with over 7 years in banking marketing. Sichley is responsible for all marketing strategies and activities within the Bank and manages overall brand strategy by providing guidance and feedback on marketing initiatives and projects. She makes key decisions around digital marketing, product distribution, budgeting and branding while working with other Bank officers to set overall branding goals while focusing on Implementation.
creative design and community engagement.
Cameron Stanley, who joined BSB in 2012, has 10 years in banking has been promoted to assistant vice president, portfolio manager. Portfolio Managers provide relationship management and support to Loan Officers in creating, monitoring and managing an existing portfolio of complex loans and borrowing relationships. The Portfolio Manager interacts with clients and assists Loan Officers in all aspects of client service.
Shawn Wilson, who joined BSB in 2016, has 20 years in banking has been promoted to Vice President, IT
Director. Wilson is responsible for coordinating, planning and leading technology-related initiatives
for the Bank. Wilson is also responsible for the development and oversight of the Bank’s technology
and IT security strategies to support growth objectives while strengthening
competitive advantage.
Susan Young, who joined BSB in 2005, has over 25 years in the banking industry has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer. Young is responsible for developing and executing a talent management strategy aligned with the Bank’s vision and values while supporting the overall strategic direction. Young serves as operational leader while overseeing HR functions, including talent management and development; employee relations; policy development; and the design and administration of compensation and benefits.