On Friday, Sami Phillips and Emily Leonard of West Central Bank visited the class.

Emily is the Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. Emily worked at the Ashland bank while in high school. She attended college and obtained an Ag Business Degree. She wanted to stay local, so when the bank reached out to her after college, Emily returned to the banking field. She has worked her way up from that high school part-time teller position to the second in command at the bank. Emily told us how she helped to turn the Ashland facility into a hub for the West Central Bank locations. She truly enjoys working with her colleagues and the customers.

Sami serves as a Data Processor, Customer Service Rep, and IRA Specialist. She spoke about how she hadn’t planned to be in the banking world, but that’s where she is now. Sami stressed not taking criticism personally, keeping a calendar and staying organized, and realizing that everyone has a job to do.

Thank you, Emily and Sami, for speaking with the group, answering questions, and for the hats and cups. We also appreciate you allowing some to wear their Halloween costumes.