Associate Spotlight – Jean Vandenberghe

How many years have you been at NBC? Were you always in the role that you have now?

I have been with NBC since the Community Bank/NBC merger in November of 2008, and was with Community Bank since April of 1993. So, overall, I have been in banking for 31 years this month. I have had several roles in my banking career. I started as a teller, then moved to a new account representative in my early years. I spent a short time in the loan department as a retail loan processor, then back to the deposit side again as a new account/customer service representative. I was responsible for opening all types of deposit accounts from business to consumer including IRAs and Certificates of Deposit. I was promoted to a banking officer in 2000, which included personal banking, front-line supervisor, and the carrying out the responsibilities of the Bank Secrecy Act compliance officer as well as assisting in deposit account compliance. When I joined National Bank of Commerce in 2008, I continued in the role of personal banker until November of 2011 when I moved to the loan department where I continue with my current role of loan servicer.

Talk about a skill or quality that sets you apart as a team member.

I am a very detailed-oriented person, maybe a perfectionist in some situations (using the term lightly). I would say that I am very good at working with bank products, processes, and procedures. I strive for accuracy and quality in my work. If I come across something that doesn’t seem quite right or doesn’t fit with the loan type, product, or service I am working on I will question it; ask the whys or seek out more information to support it. I also enjoy working with and helping customers; and although I don’t have a lot of opportunities to do this in my current position, I know that I have good customer service skills and enjoy using them whenever I can.

What’s your favorite thing about working at NBC?

I would say my favorite thing about working at NBC is the group of people I work with. They are not just coworkers or teammates; they are friends, maybe even more like family at times. We spend so much time together at our workplaces, so I feel that it’s important to have people you enjoy working and spending time with. I am very lucky in that aspect!

How do you manage your work-life balance?

I really try to keep work at work. Of course, I share my day with my husband; the small stuff like how busy we were, or if it was a super good day for some reason. But I think it’s best when work stays at work. When I leave for the day, I want any of the day’s challenges or stress to be left behind so I can spend the rest of it with my family and friends at home, enjoying our time together.

Can you share a piece of advice for newcomers to the industry?

Be ready to continue learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be prepared for change and have willingness to grow. Be accountable and dependable. Make friends and build relationships with your coworkers – you spend a lot of time with them, it really makes everything you do that much more enjoyable.

Do you have a mentor that influenced your career? If not do you have a favorite book or resource that you’ve used?

There are many people I have worked with over the years that have influenced me in one way or another and there are those that I am working with now that influence me. One person that comes to mind first is Cindy Theien. She, along with Bob Hall, opened the doors for me to begin my banking career. As someone new to the banking industry I remember watching Cindy, and admiring her drive to learn, succeed, and share everything banking related. I took several banking classes taught by Cindy and learned so much from her. She is a great example of a successful professional and a wonderful individual whom I am lucky to have worked with and call my friend. I am also continuously influenced by current coworkers, who haven’t been in banking quite as long. I enjoy watching their aspirations and commitments to grow and learn and how they support each other. These newer friendships are a great foundation to my continued journey with NBC.