Todd Benson
Senior Director, Community Manager
FNBO
How’d you get started in the banking industry?
I’ve been in banking for more than 20 years, working my way through both retail and commercial lending before landing where I am today. What kept me in it was realizing early on that banking, done right, is really about helping people build something — a business, a piece of equipment, a building — and being part of that story alongside them.
What do you like to do to give back to the community, either personally or as a bank representative?
Northern Colorado is more than just my market. It’s the place where I grew up and have personal roots, so working doesn’t feel like work; it feels like showing up for the community. I spend a lot of time connecting with local businesses, not just to build relationships but because I genuinely want to see them succeed. I’ve served on many boards over the years and currently sit on the Upstate Colorado Economic Development board.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Hands down, it’s helping a business owner close on financing that helps them grow — whether that’s an SBA loan, a new building or helping clients manage their cash flow. Commercial banking can be complicated, and walking someone through that process to a “yes” never gets old.
What do you geek out about?
Old cars. I’ve got a 1962 Impala, and my son has a 1974 Blazer that we’ve done a lot of work on. There’s something satisfying about diagnosing a problem (and I have plenty of them!) on a 60-year-old machine. It’s not dissimilar from underwriting a loan; you’re troubleshooting, working with limited information and trying to get to the right answer. When I’m not under the hood, I prefer to be traveling or hanging out with the family at kids’ sporting events and the lake!
Dan Connell
Director of Credit Analysis
First Interstate Bank
How did you get started in the banking industry?
My career in banking started in the management trainee program at a local bank here in Colorado. I had just finished graduate school, was working on a construction crew, and I knew I wanted to work in banking in some capacity. The world was just coming out of the Great Recession at that time, and when I was offered the position, I jumped at it.
Since that point, I’ve had a winding path through a variety of functions at several different institutions, including business development, credit review, treasury/ALM and my current role directing enterprise complex credit analysis.
What makes your bank unique?
What I love about First Interstate Bank is that we sit at a unique inflection point where we can offer the best of two worlds: the scale to handle complex relationships and the local orientation to maintain what makes community banks special. Our focus on building strong relationships within the communities we serve is paramount, but we’re also able to play in a larger sandbox.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking?
The most important thing I’ve learned in banking is also the most important thing I’ve learned about leadership: The success of your people and the culture you establish is everything. As a leader, I judge my success and effectiveness exclusively through the lens of the success of the individuals within my organization and the type of culture we create together.
What do you geek out about?
I spend a tremendous amount of my free time reading. My favorite books tend to be autobiographies and biographies of individuals from different walks of life. I find it fascinating to learn about the environment, circumstances and decisions that shape who people become and the perspectives they hold. I recently finished “All That’s Unseen: An Appalachian Memoir” by Emilee Hackney. It chronicles the author’s journey from her upbringing in southwest Virginia to her time at Harvard University and the collision of two very different worlds.
Kari Coover
SVP, Colorado Regional President
Sunwest Bank
What makes Sunwest Bank unique?
Sunwest Bank combines the capabilities of a larger financial institution with the entrepreneurial spirit and relationship-driven approach of a community bank. We empower our bankers to truly know their clients and find creative solutions. What I love most is our culture — we value hard work, collaboration, accountability and doing what’s right for our clients and communities. Sunwest Bank was built for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs; it doesn’t get any better than that!
What do you like to do to give back to the community, personally or as a bank representative?
Giving back has always been important to me, both personally and professionally. I’m fortunate to serve on the boards of the AdventHealth Foundation and PGA REACH, while also staying actively involved with organizations throughout Colorado. I especially enjoy opportunities to connect people, support organizations doing meaningful work, and leverage my banking relationships to strengthen the communities we serve.
What are you most proud of in your professional life so far?
I’m most proud of the journey. I started in banking as a part-time teller and have been incredibly fortunate to learn from amazing mentors — some who are still in the industry and others who have since retired — nearly every step of the way. Their investment in me helped shape the banker and leader I am today. Now I’m able to mentor, develop and create opportunities for the next generation of Colorado bankers, which is incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to pass on what others so generously gave to me.
What do you listen to on your morning commute?
The soundtrack to my commute depends on the day. Sometimes it’s music to get me energized, sometimes a podcast and sometimes absolutely nothing! A quiet drive and a cup of coffee can be the perfect way to think through the day ahead.
What do you geek out about?
People, business and bringing ideas to life. I can easily geek out over a great business concept, a challenging deal, or connecting the right people and watching something great come together.
Elizabeth Kretz
SVP, Retail Market Sales Manager
Vectra Bank
How did you get started in the banking industry?
I started my banking career in 2000 as a teller with UMB Bank and quickly discovered that I enjoyed helping people achieve their financial goals. What began as an entry-level position turned into a passion for leadership, relationship building and helping both clients and employees grow. Over the last 25+ years, I’ve advanced through roles including lead teller, assistant branch manager, branch manager, credit product liaison and now retail market sales manager. Each role has given me opportunities to learn new aspects of banking while developing strong teams and lasting client relationships.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is helping people succeed. That includes helping clients find financial solutions that improve their lives and helping employees develop their careers. As a leader overseeing multiple branches, I enjoy coaching team members, watching them build confidence and seeing them achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Celebrating their successes is just as meaningful to me as achieving business results.
What are you most proud of in your professional life so far?
I am most proud of the long-term impact I’ve made through leadership and performance. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition such as Vectra ProClub awards, Circle of Excellence awards, MVP, Partner of the Year and Branch of the Year honors. While those achievements are meaningful, what I’m most proud of is building strong teams, developing future leaders and creating lasting relationships with clients and communities across Colorado.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Something many people don’t know about me is that I earned an associate degree in massage therapy and applied science while building my banking career. Although banking was already my focus, I pursued the degree because I enjoy learning and understanding how to help people. The experience reinforced the importance of listening, building trust and understanding individual needs — skills that have been invaluable throughout my career in banking and leadership.
