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Parkside Recognizes 2025 Exceptional Employee Award Winners

Parkside Financial Bank & Trust is fortunate to have high-achieving employees, committed to making Parkside and our community a better place to work. 
Each year, we recognize truly exceptional employees with the following awards:
Making a Difference, The Uncommon Partner, and Rookie of the Year.
 
We are excited to announce the well-deserved recipients for 2025.



The Making A Difference Award
This award honors an employee making significant contributions to their community through their time, actions, talents, and dedication.


Britni Gortner
Commercial Lending Officer



What employees had to say about Britni:
"This year, Britni showed her commitment to giving back by participating in Little Bit's Music Trivia, Big Fun Golf Tournament, and annual Gala. It's inspiring to see her, alongside Joyce Kampwerth, actively supporting such a meaningful organization. Beyond her involvement with the Little Bit Foundation, Britni also dedicates significant time to serving on the Risk Management Association (RMA) STL Chapter's Young Professionals Board, demonstrating her ongoing passion for service and leadership."


Jesse Wise
Vice President
Compliance & CRA Officer



What employees had to say about Jesse:
"Through proactive outreach, thoughtful collaboration, and a clear understanding of community needs, Jesse has helped strengthen Parkside's presence as a responsible and responsive community partner. She has worked very hard with our bankers and board members to ensure we are supporting low-to-moderate income neighborhoods and individuals. Her efforts reflect not only strong professional performance, but a genuine dedication to making a positive, lasting impact. She plays a key role in our bank, in our success, and we are lucky to have her!"

The Uncommon Partner Award
This award honors an employee who has played an integral part in implementing a new idea, program, process, or platform designed to enhance or improve one or more areas of our organization.



Shelby Cross

CRM Manager / Data Analyst

 



What employees had to say about Shelby:
"Shelby has done an amazing job implementing Salesforce as a multi-faceted tool that can work to improve data, efficiency, and awareness across the organization. She continues to share updates via monthly newsletter, host in-person and virtual training sessions, equip superusers with knowledge to help their teams, and reply to any and all requests for help. She works to create the most user-friendly experience for her colleagues and is constantly looking for ways the system can help each department."
 
Drake Naylor
Trust & Family Office
Senior Financial Analyst

What employees had to say about Drake:
"This year has been focused on finding efficiencies and Drake has played a pivotal role in streamlining Salesforce for the Trust & Family Office division. His ability to turn ideas into reality is remarkable. His willingness to help and his strategic mindset have made a lasting impact on our team's success. Drake exemplifies what it means to be an Uncommon Partner: a big thinker who drives innovation, fosters efficiency, and supports others with grace and humility."

The Rookie of the Year Award
This award recognizes the achievements and professionalism of an employee who has made great contributions in their short tenure and whose enthusiasm and professionalism show strong indications for success in the field, as well as promise for leadership in the organization.


Katie Adams

Trust & Family Office Coordinator

 



What employees had to say about Katie:
"From the moment she joined Parkside, Katie has demonstrated exceptional qualities that make her stand out. She is a fast learner, highly intelligent, a true go-getter, and an eager learner. Her positive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed have made her an invaluable teammate. This year, Katie achieved her FPQP designation, a testament to her commitment to professional growth. She has demonstrated her adaptability, reliability, and collaborative spirit through various projects, making a significant impact in a very short time."


Erin Bowman
Trust & Family Officer Senior Analyst

 


What employees had to say about Erin:
"Erin quickly became an essential member of the TFO Analyst team. From her first week, she consistently looked for ways to support others, asking what she can take off their plate and where she can help. She brings 100% to every project and client book, and her attention to detail and strong follow-through have made her one of our most dependable analysts. Erin is also proactive in asking thoughtful questions to deepen her understanding of Parkside's processes and broader wealth management topics, demonstrating both initiative and a genuine commitment to growth."

 
Shannon Greenfield
Office Manager / Receptionist

What employees had to say about Shannon:
"Shannon wears so many hats at the Bank and always has a smile on her face, whether it's welcoming clients in for a meeting, helping to move supplies around the office, refilling the snacks in the kitchens, or acting as general contractor for building projects. She is a jack of all trades and approaches every task with a team-first attitude. Shannon is such a valuable member of the team and is beyond deserving of the Rookie of the Year Award!
 
 



Parkside Careers
There are plenty of jobs out there, but an uncommon career? Those are rare. And it’s what you’ll find at Parkside. Welcome to an organization of thought leaders and go-getters. We are looking for people who are smart, likeable, entrepreneurial, and dependable. If you are on a mission for more, you’ll find it here.


We strive to treat each employee with a resolute commitment to their well-being and success. After all, it's their expertise, passion and loyalty that truly make Parkside uncommon. That is why Parkside is proud to be recognized as a 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Top Workplace. 

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