Kathy Johnson retires at the end of the month, after over 34 years in banking.

Last time we checked in with customer care specialist Kathy Johnson, she was celebrating 30 years in banking. Now she’s finally saying goodbye and will retire November 30.

“I will really miss my customers and co-workers,” she says. “My work was interesting, and I learned something new every day.”

After starting at First Savings in 1974, when she was just 16, Kathy joined the team at Badger Bank in 1987. North Shore Bank acquired Badger Bank in 1995. Since coming on board, she has worked in a number of roles, including managing the Fox Point branch. She says if she could travel back in time and give some advice to her younger self, it would be: “Accept change and go with the flow! Also, try to maintain a work-life balance — which I have never mastered. That’s part of the reason I’m retiring!”

Kathy (at center in back) with colleagues in the Call Center around 2014.

“I’m the clown!” says Kathy, who’s with her Badger Bank colleagues in this photo from around 1991.

“I have had the honor of working with Kathy for the last 34 years,” says her boss and fellow Badger Bank alum, VP customer assistance manager Colleen Egan. “Her banking knowledge and customer service are unsurpassed. When the Call Center was looking for a new online account specialist, one name came to mind, and it was Kathy’s. Her caring team spirit has touched all of us at North Shore, and we will miss her.”

As for Kathy, now that she’ll no longer have to get up early and fight traffic, she has big plans.

“I’ll stick to some simple ones to begin with, like taking a nap now and then — I’m serious! — and walking and hiking when it’s light out,” she says. “I plan on spending more time with my daughter and her family, taking some courses, and traveling. I may even learn how to cook!”