Cindy Deckerd
Vice President, Treasury Management Sales
Vectra Bank
How did you get started in the banking industry?
In my senior year, through the work study program at my high school, I was hired as a receptionist in the HR department of the Central Bank of Denver. I was very fortunate to have such a rewarding opportunity at such a young age! After 16 years, I transitioned to an IT company that was building the eligibility system for Colorado Medicaid — another rewarding experience! The bank called me back to bring a system that is Y2K-compliant, and I’ve remained in banking ever since.
What do you like to do to give back to the community (either personally, as a bank representative or both)?
I have a heart for the Mile High United Way Bridging the Gap program, which supports young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. Vectra Bank is very engaged in giving back to the community we serve and is very supportive of its employees volunteering as a bank representative as well as our personal volunteer interests!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is the relationships I’ve developed. I’ve learned to get out of my comfort zone, raise my hand, and say, “Pick me, I’ll do it!” This has afforded me the opportunity to develop relationships with people I would never have met.
What do you geek out about?
The ever-changing world of technology and problem-solving with my internal and external clients. Don’t get me started down a rabbit hole!
Who is one of the most influential figures in your life?
My mom; she is my rock! In addition, one manager took me under her wing, mentored me and taught me so much about the corporate world. She helped me discover and develop skills personally and professionally.
Erica Herman
Director, Community Banking
First National Bank of Omaha
How did you get started in the banking industry?
I walked into my bank to open new checking/savings accounts, and when asked about my employer, I indicated I was applying for jobs. They indicated they were hiring tellers, and I thought, “I will work at the bank until I find another job.” Many, many years later, I am still in banking!
What makes your bank unique?
First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is one of the largest privately-owned banks in the country. With over 165 years of experience meeting customers’ financial needs, FNBO considers itself the “great big, small bank,” large enough to provide the expertise and resources necessary to handle any financial need, yet small enough to know customers personally. FNBO encourages employees to be active in our communities through financial support, volunteering and serving on nonprofit boards.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my role is the meaningful impact I can make through financial partnerships. I gain significant fulfillment from enabling businesses to achieve their financial objectives and goals.
My position allows me the privilege of building relationships across diverse industries and business scales. The professional connections I develop and the satisfaction of delivering effective financial solutions give me a deep sense that my work matters and is important.
Who is one of the most influential figures in your life?
My parents served as my primary role models, demonstrating the values they wished to instill through their actions. Their unwavering work ethic was complemented by their allocation of both their time and financial resources within our community. They ingrained in me the fundamental importance of civic contribution — a principle that continues to guide me today. Their consistent example established clear expectations that their children would similarly embrace these values of hard work and community investment.
What do you listen to on your morning commute?
Nothing. The morning commute is my time to wake up and start preparing for the day.
Dan Kapustka
SVP, Lender
Alpine Bank
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is getting to meet people from all walks of life and doing so as a representative of a bank that I feel genuinely has their best interests at heart. Knowing that what we do in the day-to-day makes a truly positive impact and seeing that reflected in our customers’ experiences and feedback is truly rewarding.
What are you most proud of in your professional life so far?
I am most proud to have been an employee of Alpine Bank for close to 10 years, as of January 2026, and to have worked in markets from Telluride and Breckenridge to Fort Collins. It has been quite a decade!
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking?
The most important thing I’ve learned is that trust is one of the most valuable things in business and life, and that integrity will always see you through any uncertainty.
What is your favorite movie or book, and why?
“The Lord of the Rings” — both the books and the movies are excellent, but the literature especially, due to the epic scale with which Tolkien thought and imagined, and his deep appreciation for the beauty of creation.
Who is one of the most influential figures in your life?
As a martial artist of 20 years, I would say it is my Sabumnim (instructor), Grandmaster Fuechsel, who has proven a pillar of virtue like few others. He is a great example of strength, discipline and honor and has made a great impact on my life and identity.
Christopher McPhail
SVP, Commercial Relationship Manager
SouthState Bank
What are you most proud of in your professional life so far?
Early in my career, I was very proud of being commissioned as an Army officer. Now that I have been in banking for 30 years, I am proud of the relationships I have built with customers and teammates.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking?
The most valuable thing I have learned in my banking career is the importance of keeping your word. Keeping your word and doing what you say is important because it builds trust, credibility and strong relationships. When you consistently follow through on your promises, others see you as reliable and dependable, which fosters respect in personal, professional and financial contexts — like relationship banking, where trust is key to long-term partnerships.
What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any preparation?
I could give a 20-minute presentation on a 1031 Exchange. The 1031 Exchange is a tax deferral strategy that enables property owners to sell an investment or business property and reinvest the proceeds into another similar property without incurring immediate capital gains taxes.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child, I wanted to become an FBI agent. I’m not sure what drove me in that direction.
What’s important to you personally?
My family and my faith are the most important things to me. Together, they create stability, community and purpose.
