Meet Elena “Lenna” at Midwest Bank. She is a Retail Specialist at our York Branch and has been with Midwest Bank for 14 years. Lenna grew up in Volgograd, Russia, before coming to the United States and eventually ending up in Nebraska. She attended college in Russia, where a college education is free, and if you’re a good student, you get a stipend payment for good grades. For Lenna, going to college and getting paid for her academic achievements was very rewarding.
In her current role as a Retail Specialist, Lenna works with clients and helps them with their daily transactions. She is focused on customer service, opening new accounts, wire transfers, and many things that go on behind the scenes of a bank. Each day is different and fun, and that’s what makes working at Midwest Bank so great.
It’s our connection with the customers. That’s what we pride ourselves on. We want you to give us a try because we meet your expectations. But we know you’ll stay with us because we will exceed those expectations.
We asked Lenna to share with us her favorite memory from the past 14 years working at Midwest Bank. Lenna said there were too many, but she did think of one memorable event. The staff at the branch were carrying cassettes from the ATM to inside the bank on a very windy day. Suddenly, one of the cases opened, and $20 bills flew everywhere! Lenna said, “It looked like a wild TV show as we all started grabbing bills, laying on the ground blocking them, shoving them into our shirts for safekeeping. It’s hard to catch flying bills, and we’re sure everyone driving by got a laugh at us. But the best part was we balanced 100% that day; not a single bill slipped away.” That sure is one memorable memory!
In her spare time, Lenna loves spending time with her family and three children. She also enjoys reading, knitting, and eating all things seafood. She also loves coffee and chocolate and the show she could watch repeatedly – Gilmore Girls. Her hidden talents include her ability to speak multiple languages, and she also takes pride in knitting some pretty incredible sweaters and socks. She would love to learn more languages and is always up to travel. Her favorite place to visit is Scotland and if she could leave anywhere in the world, she’d pick Scotland…or Ireland…or the Czech Republic…or Norway… We think Lenna could live just about anywhere!
If Lenna had to describe Midwest Bank in just three words. She said, “Dynamic, fast-paced, and supportive.” And when we asked her what the best part is about working at Midwest Bank, she easily replied, “Comradery. Our team is simply the best.” Our employees take tremendous pride in the culture we create in each of our branches.
Lenna explains what sets Midwest Bank apart as a community bank from all the other banks. She says, “It’s our connection with the customers. That’s what we pride ourselves on. We want you to give us a try because we meet your expectations. But we know you’ll stay with us because we will exceed those expectations.”
Well said, Lenna.