Not many Heartland Bank associates can say that they have contributed over three decades to their career at the bank, but Jennifer Ziegler is one that can…33 years and counting! Jennifer’s story starts after high school with her service in the United States Navy, a degree in financial management from Columbus State Community College, then a starting position at a Heartland Bank branch at 161 and Cleveland Avenue in Columbus.
Jennifer’s career started in 1990 at a branch that no longer exists but was acquired in 1989 after a merger with Lyndon Guaranty Bank of Ohio. “I’ve worked at many Heartland branches, including Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Westerville and now the corporate center in Whitehall. I worked for several years in Credit, doing different jobs including commercial loan processing, managing revolving credit, loan review, credit analysis and now appraisal review. My primary responsibility is ordering commercial appraisals and appraisal evaluation for the bank,” said Jennifer. To complement her career, she is an active member of the Appraisal Institute and readily admits that her coworkers make all the difference – “They are the best, and I am grateful for them.”
A career at Heartland of this magnitude doesn’t just happen overnight, nor is it possible without dedication and the willingness to go a bit above-and-beyond. The bank has an underlying goal of quality and excellence – awards are even given semi-annually to those associates that their peers believe take these two qualities to heart. Jennifer shares, “Quality and Excellence means performing your best at all times and always giving quality service to clients and co-workers. Clients can call directly to our extensions and talk to us personally and not be placed on hold forever. Clients should choose Heartland Bank over other banks for our customer service and commitment to the community.” Jennifer has won that award in addition to the Circle of Champions recognition which is for outstanding service.
“I think the reason for my longevity is the great people I have worked with over the years. It truly is a Heartland family. I have loved watching the bank grow from a few branches to the many offices we now have and have loved being a part of it. I appreciate the hard work that has gone into that and value the opportunities that creates. I’m excited to watch the bank grow in the future.”
Jennifer is also excited about her future, “Personally, I’m looking forward to retiring in the next few years, maybe do some traveling, and finally get my basement organized….” With work and volunteering for the USO and the Pickerington North Marching Band Boosters over the years, Jennifer has been busy but still makes time to be an active member of the Seton Parish in Pickerington and the American Legion. She is married with two adult children and very attached to her little shih tzu named Mario.
“I love reading, walking, horror movies, Hallmark Christmas movies (to offset the horror movies) and spending time with my family. My favorite musical group of all time is Styx, and I have seen them many times in concert. I am a big Buffalo Bills fan and expect the Bills to win the Super Bowl this year.”
If you’d like to explore a career with a company that celebrates longevity and recognizes commitment, Heartland Bank might just be the right fit for you. Check out the current openings and peruse our website to get a feel for what the Heartland family is all about!