65-Heidi Gesell Bank Cherokee's CEO - a podcast by Back Room Stewdios

At BankCherokee, we believe that community starts with family; I am proud to be the third generation of my family to lead our independently-operated bank and to continue the tradition of work my grandfather started nearly 100 years ago.

I began my career at First National Bank of St. Paul and joined BankCherokee in 1983. I have served in many banking capacities. In my current role as president and CEO, I provide vision and direction for BankCherokee, ensuring the organization, our employees and the local small businesses we serve continue to thrive. Since moving into my leadership role in 1996, the bank’s assets have increased by nearly 75 percent.

I am personally committed to being an innovator in the Twin Cities’ business community and the neighborhoods BankCherokee serves. My work has resulted in numerous local business and finance awards including Finance & Commerce “Top Women in Finance” award (2007), as well as Minnesota Business Magazine’s “The (Real) Power 50” award (2015).

Giving back to the community is important to me as well. Over the years I have provided financial expertise and leadership to numerous nonprofit organizations. I served on the board of Neighborhood House on the west side of St. Paul; was board member, executive committee member and finance committee chair for United Way of St. Paul area; finance committee member for the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley; and founding member, treasurer and president of the Rotary Club of West Saint Paul/Mendota Heights. Currently, I serve on the boards of Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, F. R. Bigelow Foundation and the Minnesota Bankers Association.

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