The end of summer can often bring a bit of melancholy as the footloose and fancy-free spirit typically gets reined in and folks have to buckle down to a changing work schedule once again, but the end of summer at Chemical Bank’s South Shore team brought lots of smiles, promotions and increased responsibilities for one quartet of highly effective banking leaders with new responsibilities.
Bob Burch, Chemical Bank’s South Shore Community President, has announced promotions in the South Shore Community Bank, with the elevation of Randi Utter to Court Place Banking Center Manager, Kelly Gaston to Fairplain Banking Center Manager, Stacey Smith to Cleveland Avenue and Southtown Auto Banking Center Manager and Brittany Banic to Orchards Banking Center Manager.
As Banking Center managers, Utter, Gaston, Smith and Banic will be responsible for managing branch assets, goals, commitments and staff in their respective areas, as well as developing and maintaining customer relationships in and around their communities.
In her new role as Banking Center Manager of the Court Place Banking Center, Randi Utter will be working in and around the St. Joseph community. Utter has over 25 years of experience in the financial industry and started with Chemical Bank in 2001. She has held various roles throughout her career, including Financial Center Sales Manager of Michigan National Bank and ATM coordinator for Lakeland Credit Union. Active in the community, Utter volunteers as an Advocate for the Lakeland Health Foundation, on the Board of Directors for Senior Nutrition and is a member of TRIAD. Randi is a lifelong resident of St. Joseph, and has served many other organizations in the past, including being an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, through the United Way, a Treasurer for the Public Safety Education Program, and several others.
Kelly Gaston will be taking on the role of Banking Center Manager at the Fairplain Office in Benton Harbor. Gaston holds an Associate’s Degree in Applied Business. She has over twelve years of banking experience and has held previous roles at Chemical Bank including Teller Supervisor and Relationship Banker. Active in her community, Gaston is the Treasurer of Watervliet PTO and active with the New Hope Community Church of Watervliet.
Stacey Smith, the new Cleveland Ave and Southtown Auto Banking Center Manager, brings over 10 years of banking experience; beginning with her time as a Teller and Customer Service Representative, working her way up to a Manager in Training/Branch Supervisor and now taking on her new role as Banking Center manager. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education – English with a Minor in Communications from Western Michigan University. Active in her community, Smith teaches Junior Achievement and is an Ambassador for the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce.
After starting her time with Chemical Bank as an Assistant Branch Manager, Brittany Banic brings more than 7 years of experience to her new role as Banking Center Manager for the Orchards Branch in Benton Harbor. She is looking forward to becoming involved in the community and working in a new role.
South Shore Community President Burch says, “As demonstrated by these promotions, the talent in the South Shore Community Bank is moving our company forward.” He adds, “All of the experience these individuals bring to their new roles will benefit the area staff, the Bank and the community as a whole. I am excited to see these employees and their communities grow.”
Chemical Financial Corporation is the largest banking company headquartered and operating branch offices in Michigan. The Corporation operates through its subsidiary bank, Chemical Bank, with 236 banking offices located primarily in Michigan, northeast Ohio and northern Indiana. At June 30, 2017, the Corporation had total assets of $18.78 billion. More information about the corporation is available by visiting the investor relations section of its website at www.chemicalbank.com.
