Employee Spotlight: Scott Leo, Chief Credit Officer
Trading Credit for Pickle Ball Courts
We are pleased to recognize Scott Leo as our Employee Spotlight. Inspired by his father’s career in commercial banking, Scott majored in finance in college and began his career as a collateral (credit) analyst at a financial institution in Minneapolis. During his tenure, he strengthened credit policies and procedures, giving the institution forward momentum and positioning him for new opportunities.
Dirk Gasterland, CEO of Coulee Bank, was working as a recruiter at the time when he connected with Scott, and the two quickly recognized a mutually beneficial opportunity. Scott saw Coulee Bank as a strong institution, one with deep community ties, a growing loan production office in Rochester, and great people.
Scott says his role at Coulee Bank has evolved, especially during the pandemic. There was considerable growth on the banking frontline and its aftereffects. “It truly identified good managers of our commercial loan portfolio as well as putting the commercial banking team through a valuable learning curve,” he says. Our bankers and our business customers had to adapt to a changing landscape. Six years after the pandemic, he says what stands out most is how many people rose to the occasion — even as some effects are still being felt today.
Scott believes interacting with other team members is hands-down his favorite part of working at Coulee Bank. Since his role is more behind the scenes, those interactions have played a huge part in making Coulee Bank a wonderful place to work. “I've had an opportunity to mentor team members, and in turn, some of my direct reports have mentored me!” he exclaimed. At the end of the day, he says, knowing the team witnesses the success of our customers is truly rewarding.
In his 42 years of banking experience, Scott loves the variety of career paths banking offers. You can pursue careers as an analyst, a lender, a mortgage loan officer, a marketing specialist, or someone in operations. “Understanding how all the departments interact is key—so show up with curiosity, ask questions, and do the work,” he says. Details matter. It benefits the customer, it benefits coworkers, and all the details in every department interlock, creating a successful bank.
As Scott plans his next journey in retirement at the end of this year, we wanted to know what he was most looking forward to. Considering he has had a very structured career, started working at 12, and obtained his first W-2 when he was 14, he is looking forward to flexibility. Scott is athletic and enjoys biking, pickleball, swimming, and hopes to participate in a few triathlons.
Photography is another hobby he hopes to hone his skills in. He’ll have the perfect opportunity for that as he explores his new home in Arizona. Most of his family lives in Arizona, so he will enjoy time with them as well as visiting some of North America’s National Parks. If he isn’t exploring or engaging in sports, he hopes to find a few volunteer opportunities and perhaps pick up a part-time job—but not right away.
Scott, we have enjoyed having your knowledge, diligence, and affable personality showing up at Coulee Bank every day. Thank you for teaching your coworkers and allowing yourself to grow along the way. We wish you so much happiness and success in retirement.