Associate Spotlight – Celia Cameron
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career? A 48-year tenure in the financial services industry. Achievement of AVP – Branch Manager position in my career (still shooting for more)! Long-term, dedicated, professional, stable, and satisfied branch staff. Number one in sales within the entire company and top performer in community banking from 2003 – 2011.
My banking journey has been a diverse experience. I started as a teller and worked my way up to management in internal departments and the branch environment. I learned all aspects of banking (particularly lending), was a community leader, and always found a way to volunteer.
Share an experience where you actively participated in a community initiative.
- United Way of NE MN – semi-annually Buddy Backpack Program packing and a part of the Funds Allocations Committee
- Treasurer – Rotary
- Rotary member – rose sale, fishing raffle fundraiser, and community projects.
- Board member – HEDA (Hibbing Economic Development Authority)
- Board member and ambassador – Hibbing Chamber of Commerce
- Board member – Duluth Art Institute
- Hibbing City Band – 2nd clarinet
- Treasurer – Lincoln PTO
- Girl Scout troop leader
What does being a part of the Hibbing community mean to you? We all live in a series of different communities. Each neighborhood has its own culture, priorities, and values, whether that be your immediate community, city, state, or even country. Being ‘part of’ means being involved in the communities in which you live. It’s the same as taking care of your home, your house. Without caring for your home, it would decline, be unlivable, and fall into disrepair. This is the same with our communities. Being part of and involved in my community is my way of caring for it so that it can grow and succeed.
How do you handle change and challenges in the workplace?
- Focus and breathe
- Keep calm and carry on
- Put your head down and go
- Don’t sweat the small stuff, but don’t forget the details
- Ask for forgiveness
What advice would you give someone recently starting in their career? There is nothing that cannot be fixed. Remember, exceeding your customer’s expectations and providing a great experience is just as important as knowing how to open an account or run a transaction. Give yourself and others grace, and always take care of yourself. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Always ask yourself if this a means to an end or the end itself – your answer will guide you on your journey. And remember, it’s all an adventure!
