Greendale branch manager Debbie Cottone — who retires tomorrow, May 5 — is quick to name her favorite of all the changes she’s seen since starting her banking career 45 years ago.
“The automation of banking,” she says. “I started when we were still doing hand entries for customers! Automation has allowed us to offer them more options for reaching their financial goals.”
Debbie with her daughter Carrie.
And her least favorite change? Well, that would also be the automation of banking.
“I have always loved the interaction I have with my customers, and the increase of automation has decreased the need for customers to visit their banks as often as they did in the past,” Debbie says.
Debbie joined North Shore Bank last year when we acquired Layton State Bank, where she spent 15 years. She worked at all four of Layton State’s locations and held titles including teller operations manager, personal banker, assistant vice president, and vice president/branch manager.
“I have learned the most from the individuals I have managed,” she says. “They have taught me that the foundation of any relationship is trust. That it is important to have integrity and to be responsible, diligent, and ethical.”
Her favorite memories, she says, will be of the different people she met throughout her career. “Some have become lifelong friends, and I have had the pleasure of watching their families grow and the honor of helping them through their grief.”
“Debbie has been awesome to work with during our short time together,” says her district manager, Lauri Lunde. “She has been extremely positive during the transition, and she is a great supporter of her customers and her team. I know that both her customers and employees will miss working with her, as will I. We wish her and her family all of the best.”
Debbie notes that if she hadn’t gone into banking, she might have become a teacher. She advises newcomers to this industry: “Be a partner with your customer in helping them reach their financial goals. Your help today will impact their future tomorrow!”
As for Debbie’s future, she and her husband, Greg, will be glad to have the additional time right now to help their daughter Carrie, who is ill, and to help support Carrie’s family.
“The rest of our plan includes spending time with our nine grandchildren and finally completing some long overdue remodeling projects on our home,” Debbie says.
Best Wishes Debbie to you and your family! It was a great pleasure getting to you know you. Thank you for everything!
Enjoy your retirement Debbie! You will surely be missed.
Debbie, it has truly been my pleasure working with you over the past 16 years. Not only have you touched the lives of your customers, but also the lives of everyone who has had the opportunity to work beside you. I am personally better for knowing you and learning from you. You are the definition of grace and kindness; not to mention that fantastic sense of humor you have! I will miss you as part of this team, but know we will stay connected in so many other ways. Prayers for the health and happiness of you and your family!
My compliments on how well this article was written. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful human being.
Debbie, it has been my honor to work with you. You are a wonderful resource for your team and customers. Thank you for all you have done for us!
Best wishes to you Debbie! Enjoy every moment.
Debbie,
In the short time that you and I have gotten the chance to work together, I have learned so much from you on a business level, and also on a personal level. You are VERY loved by the community here and that is very obvious why. Best of wishes to you and your wonderful family.