Independent Banker - June 2022 - 40

Innovators
(Continued from page 39)
Cara Roberson: I'm very proud
that in March 2021, we successfully
consolidated a pair of commonly
owned sister banks into a single
organization operating under a
singular brand. The unifi cation of our
banks was a long time coming, and it
has made our organization stronger
by pooling our resources and enabling
us to serve our combined footprint
better than ever, after decades of
dividing and conquering. We nearly
doubled the number of branches and
geographic area for our customers with
the consolidation and made available
more resources for larger loan
requests, particularly from business
owners in our area. By strengthening
and growing our bank through
consolidation, we have propelled our
organization forward and given it the
tools to compete alongside larger and
more regional competitors.
Q. What inspired you to make
change at your community bank?
Watts: There is always something we
can be doing better. By committing to
enhancing the employee experience
and fostering an engaging work
environment, we are giving employees
the tools and resources they need
to succeed and grow within the
organization. The bank's culture
and guiding principles provide all
employees with the opportunity to
challenge the norm, be visionaries and
bring innovative ideas to the table.
Palmer: Giving is not just about
a donation, but about making a
diff erence. To remain independent,
taking care of your respective
communities is critical to stimulating
and supporting the local economy by
taking care of its people. Community
banking is about people, not products.
Chelsey Houston, 31
Director of business services
∠ The Murray Bank | Murray, Ky.
Chelsey Houston's work has contributed to
her community bank's reputation for amazing
service in its area. Before her current role,
she helped create the Murray Bank Solutions
Center. She created a culture of patience in
a typically high-stress department, which
is now running smoothly and has eased
the jobs of the bank's customer service
representatives.
Tara Bigalke, 38
AVP, client relationship off icer
∠ Hilltop Bank | Casper, Wy.
Tara Bigalke takes a relationship-focused
approach to community banking. Described
as a natural leader who emphasizes the
strengths of her colleagues, she easily
motivates her team. When tasked with
leading the transition of HSA accounts, she
worked with her team to ensure effective
communication with customers and,
ultimately, the success of the project.
Cara Roberson, 36
President
∠ SimplyBank. | Dayton, Tenn.
Under Cara Roberson's leadership,
SimplyBank. uses data to inform its
decisions and strategy. Roberson,
promoted to president this year, follows a
nontraditional and entrepreneurial style of
community banking. She uses a datadriven,
strategic business model and has
implemented technology to achieve better
communication within the bank.
40 Q ICBA Independent Banker Q June 2022
Independent Banker - June 2022

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