Kari “landed” in the banking industry 31 years ago after graduating from Luther College with a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education. Teaching jobs (and jobs in general) were sparse, so when a teller position was available she jumped at the opportunity. Kari advanced within the banking field into various supervisory and management roles. The challenges that Kari faced as a woman and single mom within the workplace are what compelled Kari to mentor within her organization and volunteer extensively in her community toward causes that empower and uplift women. Kari has served as an international student mentor and advisor to several young women in the Northcentral Technical College program. She also has held roles on advisory boards and as instructor for the Wisconsin Bankers Association. Kari is Chair of the United Way Women in Action group along with several other women’s advocacy groups in the Wausau area. Kari was recently honored with the 2016 ATHENA Leadership Award from the Wausau Region Chamber.