Hansen Reflects on his Success in Banking
Ron Hansen, chairman of the board and trust officer, Liberty Trust and Savings Bank, has achieved several milestones throughout his career. One of those accolades included the 2019 James A. Leach Leadership Award. “I was grateful to receive this recognition for my involvement in the banking industry,” he said. Hansen also served as the Superintendent of the Iowa Division of Banking for almost three years. “This opportunity allowed me to give back to the banking industry while having the chance to work with the great people at the Iowa Division of Banking,” he added.
Hansen advises new bankers to be involved with their community and industry trade associations. He believes that these types of involvement lead to greater knowledge and a more expansive network. In addition, it may allow for more opportunities in a career. Hansen noted, “Because of my involvement with the IBA, American Bankers Association (ABA), and Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), I had access to more opportunities than I would have otherwise.”
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
I was honored to receive the 2019 James A. Leach Leadership Award from the IBA. I was grateful to receive this recognition for my involvement in the banking industry. I’m also proud to have served on the boards for IBIS and IBA and to have been IBA Chair in 2011.
In addition, I am proud to have served as the Superintendent of the Iowa Division of Banking from November 2016 to September 2019. This opportunity allowed me to give back to the banking industry while having the chance to work with the great people at the Iowa Division of Banking. This role also allowed me to be involved with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS). I enjoyed gaining a broader perspective on banking across the nation while getting to know my counterparts throughout the U.S.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
I feel it is very important to be involved in your community and industry trade associations. You typically learn an incredible amount from this involvement. Because of my involvement with the IBA, American Bankers Association (ABA), and CSBS, I had access to more opportunities than I would have otherwise. Plus, the networking is invaluable.
I would also encourage younger employees to do as many different jobs in the bank as possible. This makes you more well-rounded and more valuable to your employer.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking, historically, provides a very stable employment. While you frequently do the same type of work daily, you do it with different customers and no two situations are the same. A community bank provides employees with the opportunity to experience all the different facets of banking.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA has an unbelievable number of opportunities for training and peer connection including their internship program, Bank Leadership Institute and Leaders in Advocacy. These all act as an excellent introduction to the IBA and all that it has to offer. The IBA helps banks by providing resources on many topics a small bank cannot justify on their own. Plus, the IBA advocates for Iowa banks on a multitude of fronts.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
That has changed over the years. When I was younger, I enjoyed boating, water and snow skiing. Today, I like to maintain my home and yard with my wife. I also spend a lot of time with my grandkids. My wife and I also enjoy traveling, which frequently involves our grandkids.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
When I was in college, I learned a quote that has always served me well. “The customer may not always be right, but they are always the customer.”