Candy in January, when the Village of Sussex recognized North Shore Bank with a proclamation noting our longtime support of the community’s Fourth of July festivities.

As Sussex Branch Manager Candy Walecki celebrates 40 years with North Shore Bank this month, she also is making plans for her post-NSB life. Candy will retire December 31.

She will leave a legacy as not only a well-liked banker — she served as a loan officer her first 20 years and switched to retail banking her second two decades — but also as a community volunteer with an enviable record of accomplishments.

Last year Positively Pewaukee — a nonprofit whose mission is to build a sense of community, foster local business, and produce events — presented Candy and North Shore Bank with the Hall of Fame award. When Candy was branch manager at the Pewaukee office, she was instrumental in securing state resources for Positively Pewaukee and played a leadership role in its activities. She considers the honor a career highlight.

Candy recently attended the funeral of one of her mentors, which prompted memories and reflection. “There have been many constants in my career and personal life,” she says, “such as staying positive, embracing change, trying to learn something new every day, and giving back to my community.”

In January, we wrote about her decade of service with the Lioness Club.

“Staying for 40 years with the same employer is rare these days,” Candy notes. “I love what I do, and I’m proud to work for such a great organization. This was never just a job for me; it has been a career.”

As a banking veteran who still finds great joy and satisfaction in her work, she advises, “Seize every possible training and educational opportunity North Shore offers. Change is inevitable. Embrace it.”