2011 Outstanding Women in Banking: Cleo Bykonen

The Stanley office of American Bank Center, Dickinson, N.D., celebrated its 100th birthday last year. About that same time, the bank rang in the next century with something the bank had never seen before: a female president and someone who was not part of the founding family..Cleo Bykonen, one of NorthWestern Financial Review's 2011 Outstanding Women in Banking, began working at Stanley June 1, 1971. When bank CEO Gary Nelson announced Bykonen as president last year, "It was almost a non-event, she had always proven herself," Nelson said. "I think people wondered why it took me so long!".Bykonen started as a teller when she was in her 20s; she worked her way through nearly every role in the bank until being named president last year. "After high school, I didn't go to college. All of my banking experience has either been hands-on or from classes and seminars," she said. "I had a small son at the time I started. Trying to work my professional schedule along with school events required a lot of juggling. I was very lucky because my parents lived in the same area so they helped out a great deal. I don't know if I could have made it in those early years without their assistance.."Back in 1971, the attitude was that if you're a mother, you should be staying at home with your children," she said. "You had to work through a lot of those issues. But I love challenges and I love to be busy, and I love my job.".During her 40 years in banking, Bykonen says the biggest changes have been in the areas of compliance and technology. "Customers are still the same … They still want you to take care of their money, have good customer service. But regulations have really become tough to be able to comply with, especially for these smaller community banks.".Nelson nominated Bykonen for this honor because of her "potential" as well as how she cultivates other employees' potential. "Some of the things that I think were recognized in those early years was Cleo always seemed to have the best interests of the bank in mind and while she served those interests, she kept two other things in mind as well—the customers and her fellow employees," Nelson said..Bykonen also has grown significantly in her ability to problem-solve and think outside the box, Nelson said. "Cleo was a little creative and didn't necessarily go by what we call textbook approach," Nelson said..Nelson also mentioned Bykonen's loyalty. "Her loyalty to me was, in her own way, almost unmatched by anybody else. That doesn't necessarily mean we agree on everything. But after listening to her, either we went her way or a combination of mine and hers. Her ideas were genuine and thought out," Nelson said..Bykonen doesn't keep regular banking hours, either. "Last Sunday afternoon, I came back from the lake—here she was. She's not regimented to the 9-4," Nelson said. "She never complained even when she was away from home responsibilities. She also recognizes a time for laughter as she recognizes a time for work. And whenever there was an accomplishment that was done, I think Cleo made a point that someone else got the credit, even if it was because of her leadership. I think that's one way she empowers her fellow employees.".Bykonen credits Nelson, along with her former boss, Morris Nelson, with mentoring her through their encouragement to grow, think creatively and become a leader. "I have learned a tremendous amount from both of those people," she said..Soon Bykonen will be handing off the leadership baton to another as she retires in January. Her advice to the next banking generation? "Get an education, set goals, develop a good work ethic, network with peers, and become active in industry organizations as well as community activities," Bykonen said..She also stated the value of a supportive family. "Many times I had to do things that were expected of me for my job. My husband supports me" and continues to even though he's been retired for two years, she said. "I think it's harder for husbands to retire and have their spouses still working.".Prior to last month, the Stanley office was Scandia American Bank. It merged into American Bank Center on Oct. 28..Other 2011 Outstanding Women in Banking honorees include:Vicki Monsen, McKenzie County Bank, Watford City, N.D.Robin Loftus, Security Bank, Springfield, Ill.Rachel Nesheim, First Community Bank, Newell, IowaRachael Petersen, Bridgewater Bank, Bloomington, Minn.Sue Sjoselius, Northeast Bank, Minneapolis, Minn.