Garringer Utilizes the IBA in Banking Journey
Ellie Garringer has been building her career in banking for 16 years. Her career started as a summer job in high school but has become a great passion of Garringer’s. She has evolved in her career as she has been able to find her niche. She wants to remind everyone that there are many opportunities in banking, including operations. She added, “Banking is so much more than lending money. And everyone knows who runs the bank – operations!” Garringer is now the vice president – cashier of Keystone Savings Bank
Garringer is highly involved with the IBA as a frequent student of the classes and seminars offered. She is also a part of the Compliance School Advisory Board. “There is so much knowledge to be learned from the speakers and peers in the room. Connecting at IBA events with peers who work in similar areas builds an instant network of resources that I can reach out to if needed, and serving on the Compliance School Advisory Board allows me to stay up to date on compliance rules and regulations,” Garringer said.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
I don’t know if I have just one achievement, I am most proud of, but I am proud of the way my career has evolved over the years. I was able to build a career in banking starting as a CSR for my high school summer job then securing a full-time position after college. 16 years later, here I am!
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
I’d say that you should always be willing to learn more. Banking is so much more than lending money and handing out cash. There are always areas to learn and grow your career. Always be listening to co-workers and peers to learn more – whether learning more about how your core works or how the bank invests money – always be listening and learning.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
There are a lot of great careers in banking that don’t involve lending. I have zero desire to lend but have made a great career for myself. Banking is so much more than lending money. And everyone knows who runs the bank – operations!
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA provides so many great resources and seminars for all areas of banking. I’ve attended just about all seminars possible outside of lending schools and seminars. There is so much knowledge to be learned from the speakers and peers in the room. Connecting at IBA events with peers who work in similar areas builds an instant network of resources that I can reach out to if needed.
I’m a part of the Compliance School Advisory Board which provides Keystone Savings Bank and myself with the ability to attend deposit, lending and alumni compliance schools each year while I am serving on the board. Serving on the board allows me to stay up to date on compliance rules and regulations, which allows the bank to stay up to date. Also, this builds an instant network when the board sees each other five to six times per year for several years while serving on the board.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and my siblings. My life is also about to change as I will be giving birth to my first baby in August. I’m sure my outside work life is going to change tenfold in a great way. I also enjoy attending games and cheering on the University of Nebraska Football team! Go Big Red!
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
This is extremely cliché but “life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.”