Career pathing can be a powerful bargaining tool when recruiting and retaining quality job candidates, while ultimately speaking volumes to a business’ culture. Strategic businesses offer this to their associates, which in turn promotes commitment and empowerment. Qualitative and quantitative data combine to provide associates with expectations for their futures at a company, allowing them to picture their progression and stay the course.
Sharing these successes is the ultimate internal marketing for a company and should not be taken lightly. Heartland Bank is proud of its team, often referred to as the Heartland family, and works daily to ensure that the associates are appreciated, challenged and empowered.
Examples of career accomplishments and long-tenures abound at the bank from the C-suite to the front line. The examples below are from associates that have made Heartland their work home. Their passion is genuine; just ask them, and they will undoubtedly share their entire story!
Scott McComb, Chairman, President & CEO: My father, Tiney McComb (founder of Heartland Bank), encouraged me to start my own business, and so I did, and in that time as well, I became the janitor of Heartland Bank. Later on in life, I was able to join the bank in 1999, and so I became the second generation of McCombs here at Heartland Bank and worked my way up through the ranks.
Jamie Taylor, AO, Senior Retail Operations Coordinator: My favorite part of my Heartland story is that I started at the bank the day after I graduated from high school. This was my first “real job,” and I never could have imagined that it would turn into what it has so far. It’s rewarding to not only see the bank’s growth over the past seven years, but also to understand the direct impact I have had on the organization. I often reflect on my experience as a branch associate, and I’m proud to have used that to advocate for improvements. I am literally working my dream job here - one that I helped create!
Ashley Trout, SVP, Director of Strategy: My dream was never to be a banker. My career in banking began the day I graduated from high school and was born out of the necessity for a full-time job and health insurance. After several generic positions at some of the big-name banks in town, I was recruited to Heartland Bank by a friend. The feeling of family was instantaneous, and the ability to generate and execute new ideas was welcomed. It has always been important to me to feel like I have made an impact. Over the last 15 years, Heartland has allowed and encouraged me to do just that.
Jennifer Eckert, SVP, Chief Risk Officer: I started at a very small community bank as a teller and held many positions throughout the first half of my career until I became that bank’s Compliance, BSA and Security Officer. I was recruited by Heartland Bank for the Compliance Officer position and worked directly for President and CEO Scott McComb. It was immediately apparent that he was a well-respected leader who inspired the family culture at Heartland Bank and encouraged his team to grow and develop their strengths and abilities as leaders. It was that encouragement and belief in his staff that inspired me to research and learn more about the business of banking, which then led to new opportunities and advancement.
Angela Murphy, AVP, Construction Desk Supervisor: Having been in banking and finance for almost 20 years, I did not know what to expect when I was hired by Heartland Bank. I am very extroverted so being in the retail setting was second nature to me. It was rewarding to be able to step into my role as an Assistant Manager and hit the ground running. Heartland has been a company that encourages promoting from within, so I took a chance on moving into a role that was out of my comfort zone, and I could not be happier.
Ryan Arras, SVP, Finance Manager: Being “Heartland Homegrown” is important to me, as this is the only place I have worked in my entire life. Heartland fosters associate growth – I remember having lunch with CFO Carrie Almendinger and Controller Aaron Cooke in late 2016, and I mentioned that it would be beneficial to form a Financial Analysis team. They took a chance on me in early 2017, and seven years later, I have a functioning analysis team of three that provides a great deal of value to many across the organization.
If you think Heartland could be your work home, check out our careers page to find your next career opportunity!