Employee Spotlight: Janel Garrick | Coulee Bank
FDIC FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

Early Wire Cutoff: Wire transfers must be submitted by 3:00 PM on Friday, December 5th.

Person typing on a laptop with a phone, notebook labeled 'Financial Literacy,' and financial icons on a blue background.

Employee Spotlight: Janel Garrick

At Coulee Bank, our team is at the heart of everything we do. This month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Janel Garrick, BSA Officer in St. Paul, whose dedication, expertise, and positive spirit make a difference for our customers and the Coulee Bank team every day.


As a BSA Officer, Garrick doesn’t have much interaction with customers, but she makes a mighty impact. She jokingly referred to herself as the “scam slayer.” She and a teammate monitor suspicious or fraudulent activity and collaborate with frontline staff to ensure our customers stay safe. She says, “The customer is usually very appreciative especially when we’ve helped prevent a loss to our client.”


Her role is so much more than spreadsheets and regulations, known as compliance in the banking world. “BSA work involves investigating suspicious activity, piecing together clues, and figuring out ‘the story’ behind transactions,” she explains. Her department not only protects Coulee Bank, but it also helps stop money laundering, human trafficking, terrorism, and fraud. “FinCEN and law enforcement use our SARS in real investigations, which is pretty cool!” She exclaims.

Garrick loves the close-knit culture of community banks. “You really get to know your coworkers, management, and our customers on a deeper level,” she states. She also values being able to support local businesses and families in the community she calls home.


And home is right in St. Paul. She was born and raised in West St. Paul, MN, and is the youngest of 12! She married her high school sweetheart, Rob, 26 years ago. They are very proud parents of two children, one is applying to the police force, and one in college studying to be a registered nurse like her father.


Spending time with family and friends tops her list of favorite activities outside of work – whether it’s playing Bingo, enjoying Pull Tabs, or joining a weekend meat raffle. When the temperature plummets and snow starts to fly, you’ll find Garrick hibernating more. She loves to craft and bake. Currently, she is making ornaments, chunky knit blankets, and bread while her husband spends time in the kitchen making soups.


When asked what her coworkers might not know about her, she shares:

  • Her husband is of Scottish heritage — he even wore a kilt to their wedding while bagpipes played.
  • She would love to learn speed reading, instantly absorbing and retaining more information.
  • Her go-to coffee order is a vanilla latte with oat milk.


Janel Garrick, Coulee Bank, is so lucky to have you looking out for our customers and collaborating with other employees. We are grateful you have chosen to spend the last four and a half years at Coulee Bank and are hopeful we will have you around for many years.