Schaefer Honored by American Bankers Association with Inaugural Emerging Leader Award

PIERRE, SD – Sept. 28, 2022 – Kristina M. Schaefer, executive vice president, chief risk officer & chief administrative officer, general counsel, First Bank & Trust, Sioux Falls, S.D., was honored by the American Bankers Association as a recipient of its inaugural ABA Emerging Leader Award. This new award recognizes the next generation of bank leaders who are committed to the highest standards of achievement and service to both their industry and their local communities. Schaefer and 10 other winners will be recognized together during next week’s ABA Annual Convention.

March is Women's History Month and the ABA has curated useful tools and tips for women in the banking industry. One item, a podcast with Pinkaj Klokkenga, Chief Technology Officer, Old Point National Bank. At a community bank with limited staff and resources, tech transformation is all about setting priorities. Klokkenga discusses how she is setting and advancing these priorities at her Hampton Roads area community bank. In the episode, Klokkenga discusses:

• Her experience in IT and at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond before joining a community bank.
• Early IT wins for Old Point National Bank in the COVID era, including online scheduling, ATM upgrades to be ITM-compatible and revamping online account opening.
• How to identify the tech skillsets a community bank needs and rely on vendors for support.
• How to balance responsibility for client solutions with the lines of business.
• In a job-seeker’s market, the importance of offering top IT talent a range of engaging and creative work opportunities.

Click here to listen.