Q: Tell us about your background in banking.
A: My career began in a large bank, working in loan origination and servicing, then I moved into compliance. After taking time to raise my children, I returned to banking part‑time as an internal auditor at [Charles River Bank]. I attended ICBA’s Audit Institute, earned my certification, and two years later was asked to return to compliance, which at our bank includes BSA. I was excited to take on BSA responsibilities and completed ICBA’s BSA/AML Institute courses to become certified in that area as well.
Q: How do you construct your day for optimal productivity?
A: I start each morning reviewing emails and voicemails and addressing anything urgent. From there, I look at the tasks due that day and what’s coming later in the week. This helps me balance daily responsibilities with short‑, mid‑ and long‑term goals.
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Q: Can you share a compliance challenge you’re working on?
A: We currently operate as a manual BSA shop. Although we’re a low‑risk bank, there’s increasing pressure to adopt BSA software. Finding the right balance remains an ongoing challenge.
Q: What’s the best advice you have for other community bank compliance officers?
A: Never stop being curious. Don’t accept quick answers. Dig deeper to understand the full picture before making decisions. Learn independently, but also collaborate with other departments, managers and stakeholders.
Q: Who at the bank helps you get things done?
A: I’m new to deposit operations, so the staff who manage daily functions are vital to my success. On the compliance side, strong support from the board and senior management, and a solid tone at the top, make all the difference.
Q: How does Charles River Bank use training to solve succession planning?
A: We’ve focused heavily on cross‑training in recent years. The bank is very supportive of all types of training, including external programs, and I’ve taken full advantage of those opportunities.
Q: How has your designation affected your career/role at your community bank?
A: ICBA has been instrumental in my development. When I moved into compliance and needed to quickly learn BSA, the BSA Institute was essential.