The Menasha team decorated Deb’s workspace in honor of her 40th anniversary with the bank.

Menasha branch manager Deb Cumming just celebrated 40 years with North Shore Bank and is looking forward to more. “I started the year after savings and loans were approved to open checking accounts,” she recalls. “It’s exciting that North Shore Bank is very forward-thinking — it keeps us a top financial institution to do business with — and I’m eager for what I can learn next.”

“Deb’s positive attitude each and every day is so refreshing,” district manager Kerri Collins says. “She is all about helping her customers with whatever financial need they may have. And she has truly grown in coaching and mentoring her team over the years. She is willing to try new ideas that ultimately benefit her customers and her team. There’s a reason she is well respected by those who have had the opportunity to work with her over the past 40 years. She is truly one of a kind!”

Deb spoke with Shorelines about her long career here.

Were you planning to be a banker for this long when you came on board at North Shore in 1981?
When I started as a teller at Sturgeon Bay West, I was going to school for nursing and working in the skilled nursing facility at Door County Memorial Hospital. I soon discovered that helping customers with their financial well-being was my calling and changed my career path.

How long have you been at Menasha?
I’ve actually worked in three branches over my career: Sturgeon Bay West until March 1992, when I transferred to Ashwaubenon. I had the opportunity there to cross-train and gain knowledge in the branch and several different departments. In May 2002, I became branch manager at Menasha and have been enjoying the opportunity ever since.

Deb (at left) with former Sturgeon Bay East team members Laurie Warwick and Sarah Sawyer in 1981.

What’s one important thing you’ve learned over these 40 years?
Change is always going to happen and it is not to be feared but embraced, because it helps you grow.

What would you tell 1981 Deb if you could send a message back in time?
Throughout your career, you are going to see technology continuously change what working in a branch looks like. You are going to help customers from youngsters to those in their golden years with numerous financial goals. And you are going to teach and help people on their career paths, as you will also have many great peers, teachers, and mentors who will help you throughout the years.