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.

Haley joined the SDBA on Monday, May 9. She grew up in Vivian, S.D., on a 4th generation farming and ranching operation. She always felt as though she was missing out on what the “town kids” got to do. But looking back now, she wouldn’t have it any other way because of the appreciation she gained over the years for the beautiful wide-open spaces and lessons learned on the family farm. “I found a love for all animals, but especially horses and had the typical love/hate relationship with my only comrades in the country, my brother and sister,” Haley said. “My grandparents only lived two miles down the road, so the closeness allowed for a special bond to be formed with them.”

Outside of work, Haley enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her rescue dog, Dax, and enjoys travelling and exploring new places. She likes to be out in God’s creation and one of her favorite places to go is the Black Hills. In her free time, Haley also reads or listens to audiobooks and podcasts.