CEM Danielle Hansen (right) recently presented Kenosha Habitat for Humanity executive director Angela Elliott with a $1,000 Bank on Kindness donation. “We were looking for someone outside of the groups we typically work with to spread the kindness in the community,” Danielle said. “Our MLO has worked with Habitat and introduced us. We will be meeting with them again to see how we can partner in the future and hopefully participate in an upcoming event.”

In a program now in its second year, nine bank leaders have been tasked with an important mission and a new title to match. Our community engagement managers are using grassroots outreach to connect with the public and ensure North Shore Bank stays on people’s radar.

“The goal is to build a vibrant, buzzing community and extend the North Shore Bank brand, particularly among young families,” VP branch sales Craig Witz said.

Our community engagement managers. Top row: Mary Benz, Stephanie Ruiz, Brian Bozek. Middle row: Ray Guardiola, Danielle Hansen, Erica Hughes. Bottom row: Katie Longsine, Alfredo Martin, Shannon Weber.

Facilitated by our partner NEWaukee, the CEM program is focused on putting together fun and educational activities and events for our branch communities. CEMs commit to developing relationships with local organizations to figure out where and how the bank can lend a hand as a good neighbor.

The program’s three signature events so far are our “You Can” happy hours, last fall’s Welcome Party in Kenosha, and Southside Dining Week.

“I’m looking forward to creating a buzz around North Shore and our financial education offerings setting us apart from other financials,” Kenosha Main CEM Danielle Hansen said. “It gives us the opportunity to engage personally, positively, and actively, rather than waiting for people to come to us. I’m also looking forward to furthering my personal growth and development, which the bank has always been supportive of.”

“I am excited about getting more involved in the Germantown community by developing relationships with local community leaders,” Germantown CEM Erica Hughes said. “I want to make an impact through sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteering, and develop a bigger presence as a representative of ‘the Bank of You.’”

CEM mentors Cristen Baumann and Kerri Collins.

Along with Danielle and Erica, CEMs are area manager Mary Benz, Muskego branch manager Stephanie Ruiz, district manager Brian Bozek, and branch and area managers Ray Guardiola of Southridge, Katie Longsine of Pulaski, Alfredo Martin of El Rey, and Shannon Weber of Shorewood. The first cohort of CEMs started the program in December 2020 under DM Kerri Collins as a mentor, and a second cohort began in October 2021, under Cristen Baumann.

The program participants have reported becoming more confident communicators, stronger collaborators, and enjoying a greater sense of belonging in their branch communities.

“We are the Bank of You, and that refers to our customers, community, and employees,” Craig said. “Launching this engagement-driven internal program among our top leaders has brought the bank into more of our communities and has really been a win-win-win for those communities, for North Shore Bank, and for our staff.”