Nebraska EVP coaches a winning team of bankers.Teaching and coaching skills are key ingredients in Susan Koranda's work at Security Bank, Laurel, Neb., where she has fostered a team of banking standouts..Koranda is a 2016 selection for Outstanding Women in Banking honors. The recognition, sponsored by CliftonLarsonAllen, is presented by NorthWestern Financial Review magazine..The executive vice president got her start in banking almost as a second career. She received a degree in education from Midland University, Fremont, Neb., and spent three years teaching business and computer education in Prague, Neb. In 1997, she began working part-time as a teller at Security Bank while substitute teaching. "I'd always wanted to be a banker, although I couldn't tell you why," she said. "I wanted to get into education to help people and guide people, and it's the same thing in banking.".That background in education has transferred to her role at the bank, where she also serves on the executive loan committee. "I understand people work in different ways," Koranda said. "It's been nice to take some of those skills you use as an educator and continue to use them in this banking career.".Teaching wasn't the only non-banking background Koranda drew upon to contribute to Security Bank's team. She served as head coach for the Laurel-Concord Public Schools' varsity girls' basketball team from 1996-2003. "The ability to pull ideas from different places and also mold the culture of the bank internally came from both teaching and coaching," she said..Koranda has been a team player since the beginning, said Security Bank President/CEO Keith Knudsen, and her role has only grown more crucial with time.."There aren't many times you can work with people that long and keep that good of a relationship, but I can't think of somebody I'd rather work with than Susie," Knudsen said. "I saw her superiority from the beginning, but working so closely with each other in a small community bank — and it was even smaller back then — you really get to know people and see what each one is capable of.".That dedication to building and leading a great team has been recognized externally as well. Security Bank recently was honored for its high level of employee engagement and cutting-edge practices by the Institute for Extraordinary Banking, an organization founded by Minneapolis-based consultant Roxanne Emmerich. "Susie's really been one of the driving forces, implementing processes, leading weekly meetings, the practice, practice, practice aspects of it," Knudsen said. "It was a team effort, but I attribute it in particular to Susie's efforts.".Over the years, she had more than one opportunity to return to education. "But I didn't want to leave the bank, and the rest is history," she said. Soon after becoming a full-time employee, Koranda started working with the bank's HR department, which she oversees to this day. When Security Bank switched platforms for opening new accounts and added online banking, Koranda worked hand-in-hand to develop those platforms with employees and customers. Soon, she was overseeing all operations and added IT and compliance to her list of responsibilities..Since she joined Security Bank, it has grown to $200 million in assets from about $75 million. It has also added two branches, one de novo in Hartington in 2002 and one purchased from another bank in Coleridge in 2005. Koranda helped oversee both, and continues to be deeply involved in branch management..Koranda sits on the board of directors of the Nebraska Bankers Association and serves as a bank training advisor to the NBA education advisory committee. She is also a past chair of the marketing committee and a graduate of the NBA leadership program.."Susie is involved with a family-owned bank that's really involved in the industry and really believes in investing in their people," said NBA President Richard Baier. "She reflects Security Bank's belief in being a problem solver both in their community and also their wider industry. Simply based on her experience and her involvement, I see her remaining a key contact and resource for the organization going forward.".Koranda worked as a part-time EMT for 13 years out of the Laurel office while at the bank, resigning a few years ago when her day-to-day branch management responsibilities increased. "Like banking, being an EMT was intriguing to me because of the ability to be there and help people in a time of need," Koranda said. "As I look back at my career, I still have a passion for coming to work every day, and I have that passion because I'm helping coworkers and customers achieve their goals, helping put people in a position to be successful.".Other 2016 Outstanding Women in Banking honorees include:Karen Gregerson, The Farmers Bank, Frankfort, Ind.Tirzah Wedewer, F&M Bank, Manchester, IowaNichol Beckstrand, Sunrise Banks, St. Paul, Minn.Jan Odin, Unison Bank, Jamestown, N.D.Leann Stessman, Park State Bank, Minneapolis
