for life! Always be open for ways to grow. And then, when it is your turn, pay it forward. Inspire and encourage others to be involved, try something new and challenge themselves. OBA How important is mentorship in the banking industry? CW Mentorship is vital for personal and professional growth in any industry. Mentors can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights accelerating your learning curve. It can significantly impact your career success. I have been blessed in my career to work for companies with leaders who have invested in my growth and career development. They have encouraged me to further my education and inspired me to be involved on committees and councils just like this one. My colleagues and peers are also a wonderful source of knowledge and experience. They have been instrumental in my growth in the banking industry. OBA What are your future aspirations within the banking industry, and how do you envision contributing to its success? CW I aspire to be a chief financial officer and will continue my development through opportunities that are made available. That is one of the blessings of working for a community bank; you get to wear a lot of hats. As a secondyear student at Pacific Coast Banking School, this opportunity is providing me with a more comprehensive understanding of the industry, enhanced leadership skills and an invaluable network of banking peers. When it comes to the banking industry overall, it can count on me to continue to raise my hand and take advantage of any opportunity that is offered. I hope that my experience on this Council will allow me to help shape the future leaders of the Oregon banking community. I plan to be present and engaged in the growth and change of the traditional banking landscape. ABA Emerging Leaders Council members Jared Taylor, Bank of Utah; Catherine Weissert, Lewis & Clark Bank; Becca Vogel, Bravera; and Christopher Estrade, Hancock Whitney; pictured with ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols (center). OBA Congratulations on being named to the American Bankers Association’s (ABA) Emerging Leaders Council. Can you start by sharing a bit about yourself and your journey into the banking industry? CW I was born and raised in Oregon. I attended the University of Portland and didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, so I started in the business school. When choosing a major, I was told that finance was a men’s career path and felt compelled to prove them wrong. I graduated in 2008, one of only eight women to achieve a finance degree that year. As you know, 2008 was a challenging time for the finance world, so my first job out of college was in public accounting. Surprising to me, accounting came naturally, so I went for and obtained my CPA license. After 12 years in the accounting space, I was looking for a change. A friend who was a CFO at a bank suggested I consider a career in banking and recommended me for the controller position at Lewis & Clark Bank where I have worked for the past two and a half years. The leadership at Lewis & Clark Bank inspired me to join OBA’s Finance & Accounting Committee, which I did immediately and have been a member of ever since. OBA What is the purpose of the Council and what is your role as a member? CW The Council was established with the goal of creating new opportunities to engage and develop the next generation of banking leaders. We aspire to ensure a strong, diverse, strategic and talented future leadership of the ABA and the banking industry. The Council is comprised of 50 state representatives who represent banks of all sizes and areas of expertise from across the country. The diverse background and unique perspective of each member brings tremendous value to the group. I represent Oregon and serve as a liaison between our state association and the ABA to improve alignment on the creation of opportunities for future leaders. These meetings create an environment for us to share ideas and collaborate so that we can have a meaningful impact on the banking industry. OBA What inspired you to serve on this Council? CW I thrive when I can be involved and learn. Joining this Council has provided me networking opportunities, access to industry insights, and a chance to collaborate with experienced and motivated banking professionals across the United States. This Council has also provided me with a sense of community outside of Oregon which allows me to develop my leadership skills on a broader level. OBA What advice would you give to other emerging leaders aspiring to excel in the banking industry? CW Raise your hand! When an opportunity presents itself, raise your hand and say yes! Try something new and be a student Q&A with New ABA Emerging Leaders Council Member Catherine L. Weissert, CPA, Lewis & Clark Bank 14 Winter 2024 • BANKING MATTERS
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