2011 Rising Stars in Banking: David Hanson

In his 2003 interview for the job as an assistant vice president and controller at American State Bank and Trust Company in Williston, N.D., David Hanson told the bank president his ultimate goal was to be president..In January 2012, the 40-year-old accountant-turned-banker will meet that goal and assume leadership of the $400 million bank and its 80 employees.."I've been preparing for this all along," said Hanson, who was selected as a 2011 NorthWestern Financial Review Rising Star in banking..Hanson joined American State Bank in February 2003. By January 2004, he was promoted to assistant vice president and chief financial officer. He was named vice president and chief financial officer in 2006. In 2010, Hanson was named senior vice president and chief financial officer. He also serves as the bank's secretary of the Board of Directors, investment officer, cashier, and the American State Bank Holding Company's secretary/treasurer..Board Chairman Patrick Sogard watched Hanson take over the bank's financial operations department without a hitch, and, over the years, noticed that the young financial whiz readily agreed to take on any project, such as overseeing construction of the bank's new drive-up facility.."Dave leads by example," Sogard said. "He is not out there telling people what to do. He is out there doing the work, too.".Hanson follows the example of his father, Noel, who started American State Bank's trust department in 1978. His father, who retired five and a half years ago, was the first one at the bank in the morning and did whatever it took to get the job done.."My dad taught me that we all work as part of a team," Hanson said. "To succeed, you have to go the extra mile and do little things that aren't in your job description. I volunteer to do most jobs here. Whether it's sweeping off the back step or taking someone to dinner, I step up do what is needed to get the job done.".Hanson doesn't just do a job, he does it well. "It's important to do things right the first time," he said. "You have to understand the process, not just dot the I's and cross the T's.".Hanson understands both the financial and human sides of banking..He discovered an affinity for numbers in high school and decided to become a CPA. Hanson interned with Brady, Martz & Associates, a regional accounting firm in North Dakota, while at the University of North Dakota. He worked at the firm's Minot office for nearly 10 years, ultimately focusing on banking clients and gaining extensive expertise in the industry.."I gained a breadth of experience in various business entities," Hanson said. "But I gravitated toward banking and, as time went on, I wanted to focus much deeper on a single industry.".With community banking in his blood, Hanson was eager to return to Williston and work for American State Bank. "We want to be a strong, safe, community-oriented, locally-owned bank for many years to come," he said. "We are proud that our employees participate in community events and help to build a strong community.".Hanson also follows in his father's footsteps when it comes to community involvement. Like his father, he is active in Rotary, serving on its board and as president over the years. Hanson was a member of the Williston Public School District Board for four years, serving as president for two years. He also served as vice chairman of the non-profit North Star Caviar Company, and has participated in Junior Achievement, and other local organizations. He is currently on the board of directors for the North Dakota Bankers Association.."I enjoy being active in community organizations," Hanson said. "It gives me an opportunity to connect with people from other professions and stay true to the bank's commitment to community involvement. It's a win-win all the way around.".Hanson is a dedicated, hard-working, and outgoing husband and father of two. He enjoys coaching and chaperoning his kids' activities. He said the bank staff has become his extended family and he is looking forward to leading the bank into the future.."I hope to be leading this organization for a long time," he said, "continuing our 105-year tradition of helping our customers and community achieve prosperity.".Hanson's advice to people new to the banking industry: "Start from the bottom, be willing to work hard and do a good job, and take advantage of opportunities to learn and meet and exceed expectations."Other 2011 Rising Stars in Banking include:Jackie Herman, Flagship Bank, Wayzata, Minn.Doug Truex, Iowa Falls State Bank, Iowa Falls, IowaDan Fagan, Tradition Capital Bank, Edina, Minn.Michelle Gross, State Bank of Bement, Ill.Lori Heath, The Farmers State Bank, Brookston, Ind.Keith Willcut, Peoples Community Bank, Greenville, Mo.