2014 Outstanding Women in Banking: Sherry Lervik

Throughout her years at the State Bank of Bottineau, N.D., Sherry Lervik has worn many hats. No matter what her role, however, she always strives for excellence in her own work, and holds the staff to an equally high standard..Lervik is one of five women honored by NorthWestern Financial Review as a 2014 Outstanding Woman in Banking.."We work well together, and she is very much my 'right hand man.' Sometimes I wonder why the board didn't ask her instead of me to be president," said Pat Artz, president of the bank. "She's dedicated to the bank and serves as a sounding board for everyone. She's incredibly hard-working. She puts in countless hours of extra time, and many nights she's in the bank until six.".Chief among Lervik's strengths is her willingness to step up to the plate and take on whatever the bank needs to have done.."She's also the investment officer. I didn't even ask her. She just took it on after our previous vice president retired," Artz said. "I almost have to tell her to pull back and share the workload rather than take it on all herself, to try not to burn out because she's such an asset to the bank.".Lervik also helps hold everyone at the bank to rigorous standards.."She's good to argue with in management meetings on the other side because she's always thinking of deposits and the customers and what's best for them," Artz said. Lervik also turns her scrutiny outward toward the bank's vendors. "She really asks the hard questions and tells them 'We don't want to be your test subject. You should have this figured out before you came in.' ".Lervik's explanation for her exacting requirements is simple. "The key is to protect the bank. The directors and the owners and the customers put so much trust in you when you work with a group that's small like ours is. I just want to keep the bank healthy."."When I joined the bank in 1983 to help with the bank's first in-house computer, the 'information security officer' title didn't even exist, it was just computer operator," she said. Before long, Lervik had a role in running all the operations of the bank.."She really knows the guts of the bank. It's such a comfort for me when I leave on vacation. I don't worry about anything," Artz said. "She's got people skills, but also has the respect of our staff and board of directors.".Lervik was quick to credit the rest of the bank's staff for their efforts.."I've overseen all of the operations of the bank, but key to me overseeing those operations is having good people who I can rely on," she said..Up until four years ago, Lervik still worked as head of the bank's IT department, when the bank was able to hire a dedicated IT officer.."We were very fortunate that our board of directors saw the need for an IT officer. It gave me more time to do my auditing and to help out the president with things," Lervik said..Lervik said she certainly won't miss keeping up with the swiftly-changing world of technology.."We were so happy at one point to offer voice banking over the phone, so customers could call in. We were very hesitant when we pursued online banking, and we certainly did our due diligence to make sure the security was in place – and now we have mobile banking!."I remember when we installed our first firewall. Lots of people thought it was to protect against actual fire in the bank and I had to say, 'No, it's for the computers.'".Looking back over her career as she approaches retirement, Lervik reflected on how rewarding she's found her experience at the bank.."It's kind of emotional when you get attached to those things because you want to do the best you can do," Lervik said. "I have loved every part of it and loved to dig in and find out how to do things and make it a better place for everyone."Other 2014 Outstanding Women in Banking honorees include:Jean Ann Honegger, Morton Community Bank, Morton, Ill.Trish Ellison, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, Cedar Rapids, IowaDebra Norstad, First Farmers & Merchants Bank, Cannon Falls, Minn.Annette Russell, Security Federal Savings Bank, Logansport, Ind.