Minnesota banker uses experience to lead systems conversion for de novoOnboarding treasury management services for a de novo bank is a challenging process, requiring someone with the experience and expertise. .Case in point: Loretta Carlson, who joined Bloomington, Minn.-based EntreBank in September 2021, six months before it opened in March 2022. Aware the bank couldn’t use its core system until it opened, Carlson worked with its compliance officer to ensure all treasury management products were in place. She previously had led treasury management work for Home Federal Savings Bank in Rochester, Minn., and as a senior vice president for Fargo, N.D.-based Choice Bank from 2015-21, but was used to working with an existing core. “We had all of our disclosures; you don’t necessarily need to understand your system for that,” she said. “Everything else was anticipation. I anticipated this was how this was going to work based upon previous experience.” Carlson, 58, also implemented policies, procedures and customer experience strategies for deposits, teller services, support, onboarding and the support and sales of treasury management within six months of opening. “A lot of it was put in place when we opened our doors because we had to understand the system,” said Carlson, referring to the bank’s core processing partner, CSI. “Putting specific agreements in place regarding our services, we could not do that until we got our hands on the system, so as we’re opening our doors, we’re opening accounts for customers, we’re still developing all of those areas as we go.” Carlson’s diligence leading up to the bank’s opening — along with her day-to-day work for the more than $400 million bank as senior vice president treasury management officer — has led to her recognition as one of BankBeat magazine’s 2025 “Outstanding Women in Banking.” Initially a health care worker, Carlson switched to the banking industry to better suit her growing family. She joined Northfield, Minn.-based Community Resource Bank in 1997 as a personal banker. Attracted to the evolving business banking and payments landscape, she was eventually named cash management officer, where she led cash management, improved risk mitigation practices, developed product resources and recommended services to customers and prospects. “I found it incredibly rewarding to help individuals and businesses understand their finances, make informed decisions and achieve their goals,” she said. “What excites me most is the chance to enhance customer experience, build lasting relationships and contribute to their financial success.” Carlson’s days involve meeting with customers, opening business accounts and prospecting — all while leading business development strategies to drive growth at the bank. Risk management plays a significant part of Carlson’s role. She ensures the bank’s digital banking platform and treasury management services comply with regulations. Carlson’s impact as a leader is summarized by her nominator, Chief Credit Officer Melissa Johnston. “She oversees a high-performing treasury management team she personally built, serving business banking clients with our strong growth trajectory in deposits across savings, checking and CDs,” Johnston wrote. Carlson meets with her team on a weekly basis to discuss risk mitigation strategies. Team members pass along important information. “We know what to watch out for and we know what needs to be communicated and when action needs to take place,” she said. “Something new is coming out every day,” Carlson added. “Banking today is innovative. Everything has to happen now, there’s always something new, and more technology to keep up with.”
