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.