Lyneen Fischer celebrates 40 years with the company this month. The traditional 40th anniversary gift is ruby. What’s something red that’s meaningful to Lyneen? “Cardinals,” she says. “Whenever you see a cardinal, it means someone is watching over you.”
If you know Lyneen Fischer, it won’t shock you to learn she’s celebrating 40 years at our company this month, given the many roles she’s held here. And in fact, her banking career actually started even earlier.
“I worked in a small community bank in Kiel, Wisconsin, from 1979 to 1981. I started there in high school, through our co-op program,” the VP says. “Those were true bankers’ hours — 9 to 3, Monday through Thursday, and on Friday 9 to 8, for the farmers to bank.”
Though she then decamped to Dallas, Texas, for a brief stint at Home Savings Bank before returning to Milwaukee in 1983 to be closer to family, Lyneen has never left the industry. She became a teller that year at Badger Bank, which North Shore Bank would acquire in 1995. Her titles since have included customer service representative, personal banker, teller supervisor, branch manager, training director, business development manager, district manager, operations channel manager, and security and payments manager.
“I have had the good fortune of working with Lyneen for the past 36 years,” says customer assistance manager VP Colleen Egan, another Badger Bank employee. “Her vast knowledge and experience are outstanding, and she is one of the best detectives you will ever meet.”
“Lyneen’s sincere passion for her work is demonstrated every day,” says her boss, VP customer support Jude Lengell. “Her depth of knowledge is immeasurable, and she is always willing to assist a colleague or customer when needed. I am grateful for her dedication and for being able to work with her for the past 29 years. She is ‘simply the best.’”
Lyneen spoke to Shorelines about her career and plans.
Lyneen, c. 1987.
Would 1983 Lyneen be surprised to hear her job interview would lead to her being here 40 years later?
I enjoyed the customer interaction so much that I believe I could have seen myself in banking long-term. I had the benefit of being able to learn so much, because at that time we did a little of everything: loans, underwriting, closing loans, IRAs, annuity sales, business banking development, operational activities, and of course, customer sales and service.
Do you have a favorite or favorites of the many positions you’ve held?
District manager, as I was able to still communicate with customers and have a book of business while cultivating and coaching employees to be successful in their line of work and even beyond. I still have old employees and customers who approach me in public and remember me! That is so rewarding, to know the impact I made.
And now security and payments manager. I look at security as using my sales and service background. We want to help our customers in the form of education, to help them avoid being victims of fraud. I also enjoy working with the branches and checking and debit card and other teams. I want to help them be successful when interacting with customers and understand the best practices and regulatory requirements of banking transactions.
What are your plans for the next five years?
I want to spend more time traveling and with my children.
What are you proudest of in the last 40 years?
First, being able to balance raising my three children and successfully growing in my career. And of course, also the relationships and mentoring I have had the privilege to enjoy. North Shore Bank has given me a lifetime of family and friends, and so many good memories to cherish. I have been truly blessed and fortunate to be a part of this company.
I am blessed to have Lyneen as a leader, mentor and now friend! Happy Anniversary Lyneen!
I agree with Jude – you are “simply the best”, Lyneen. It’s been a pleasure to work with you over the last 10+ years – back to your District Manager days! I’ve learned so much from you, even as I just observe you helping your Security team or speaking to customers. To say that you are dedicated to your job and North Shore Bank is an understatement. Congratulations on 40 years!
It’s always a pleasure to work with Lyneen, and I am fortunate to get to work with her often! Congrats on 40 amazing years!!!
Lyneen, congratulations on 40 years. You are so keenly aware of the potential fraud of customer interactions with scammers – like no one else. I enjoy working with you every day!
Dean Trout
CONGRATULATIONS Lyneen!!!!
Congratulation Lyneen!
Thank you for all you have done!
Congratulations Lyneen! 40 years is amazing!
I remember my first interview with you, and I wanted to work with and for you. You have been instrumental in my career here at NSB and you are my “hero”. You are amazing!!!
Congratulations Lyneen! You had your training hat on when I started at NSB. I remember you teaching us at corporate 25 years ago, and now I’m still learning from you about all the security stuff. Thank you!
Congratulations Lyneen on 40 years. That’s amazing!
Thank you for keeping both customers and employees safe and secure.
The security of the Bank is in excellent hands.
Always a pleasure to see your smiling face everyday.
You’re a special co-worker and friend to me. Thank you.
Congratulations, Lyneen! Without you, there would be no me at NSB. 24 years ago, you set the wheels in motion by hiring me. Thank you for being a great mentor and teaching me the right way!
From your favorite hire in 40 years!
Nikki
Congrats on your many years here and to your success. The branches appreciate all you do.
Congrats Lyneen! What an amazing accomplishment. North Shore is very lucky to have you.
Congrats L What an accomplishment ! I have had the pleasure of knowing you 37 years and will treasure the time of having you as my Branch Manager” Boss” at Badger and friend. You are truly a book of knowledge and have no problem ever assisting anyone that’s your kindness shining out:)
Lyneen, Sincere congratulations! It has been a pleasure working and growing with you in the banking industry. So proud of all your accomplishments! Tricia
Congrats Lyneen…wow 40 years! You still look the same as your picture back in 1987…well you changed your hair! ;)
Congratulations, Lyneen! How lucky the bank has been to have you here for 40 years! You are truly the best!!!
Congratulations Lyneen! Welcome to the 40 club! :) Your blend of compassion and passion to assist our clients, both internally and externally is evident in how you interact with us every day. You are sincerely one of a kind in all the best ways. I am so grateful I landed at NSB and have had the opportunity to experience the impact you make on me and all those around you. Cheers to you!
‘Grats, Lyneen! You have always been so friendly, welcoming, and helpful since I joined the bank. Always enjoy working with you. Bravo on the 40!
To my closest partner always “dealing with crime” not my “partner in crime”, LOL!!! You are a true joy to work with and are a hard worker always!!! I appreciate all you do for all of us and am honored to be working with you during some crazy times. Happy Anniversary, you are greatly appreciated!
Congrats Lyneen!! I am glad your journey landed you in your current role where I have had the pleasure of working with you and getting to know you. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you for all of what you do here each and every day! You make the office a brighter place:)
Congrats on 40 years, thank you for all that you do. Always a pleasure working with you!
Lyneen, I just just love your plans for the next 5 years. I am always glad when our paths get to cross. Congratulations and appreciation sent your way for all you do……. and have done!
Congratulations Lyneen! You are one of my favorite memories being hired on at the Illinois State Bank branch in Lake in the Hills! I was hired right when NSB acquired ISB. Being new, I knew it was a scary transition for the entire branch, but I was lucky to transition with them and learn from you!