March 8, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Central Bank.

Not that long ago, just over one in 10 financial services leadership positions was held by a woman, according to a national study.

Today, that number has grown to nearly one in five – and more female leaders are emerging every year.

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a chance to celebrate globally the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

“But, at Central Bank, this is something we appreciate every day,” said Hank McCall, Central Bank Sioux Falls market president. “We have incredible women at every level of this organization and pride ourselves on being a bank that fosters career growth in a cohesive team environment marked by mutual support and camaraderie.”

Charity Heaton, a Sioux Center, Iowa, native and Mitchell High School graduate, originally considered a career as an occupational therapist before going into banking. Now a mother of five, she has been with Central Bank since 2020 and serves as vice president, head of treasury management.

Jessica Mayfield, who was born and raised in Nebraska, moved to Sioux Falls shortly before high school and now raises her own family, with two children, in the community. She’s a relationship banker who joined Central Bank in 2022.

We caught up with both of them for a look at life inside and outside the workplace.

What prompted you to enter the banking industry? And how has your career evolved from there?

Charity Heaton: While I was attending STI, I was working full time at Younkers as a merchandiser and met many wonderful people who quickly became a great part of my network. After completing my degree, a comrade told me about a job I should apply for. I never imagined starting my career within sales and banking in a call center but quickly learned there are many divisions and career options within banking. While the downturn of 2008 changed many spectrums of banking, it led me to focus on what I really had a passion around, and that was meeting with customers face-to-face. That interaction allowed me to see how our efforts directly impacted families and businesses in our own community. As my knowledge and experience grew, I realized I wanted to grow within my career and leadership. From being a personal banker, I transitioned to a branch manager. I was fortunate to have made a great connection with a female leader in the industry who saw my passion for growth and people. It was from there the same female leader saw more for my development, which led me to the area of impact I am in today. I have found my niche working with businesses on their cash flow and risk mitigation while providing strategies on how to successfully manage their receivables and payables. Treasury management is a tool that not many associate within banking as a major tool to their success.

Jessica Mayfield: I’ve always loved working with numbers and thought I wanted to be an accountant. While in high school, I participated in a program called the Academy of Finance. The program helped me broaden my search outside of accounting and find a passion within banking, finance and credit. After high school, I worked at a credit card company then moved on to retail banking, both customer-facing and within a call center environment. I’ve also had experience within HR, insurance and rebuilding credit. I was working in the insurance industry when I chose to shift my career back to banking. And that’s when I found Central Bank!

What’s the best part about your job?

Jessica Mayfield: I enjoy the people I work with. “Teamwork makes the dream work” is a quote I use often, and the team we have does such a great job supporting each other and our customers. It’s really amazing! Our leadership supports and allows me flexibility between work and home life to take care of my children when they get sick or need to be picked up early. It’s truly a blessing. Lastly, I enjoy getting to know our customers. God gave us two hands: one to help ourselves and one to help others. I love being able to help, whether it’s a customer or a colleague. I get to help customers with their finances and help my colleagues serve customers accurately and efficiently.

Charity Heaton: Meeting with business owners, no matter the industry, size or tenure, is absolutely amazing. To see their passion, hard work and dedication paying off is what keeps me within my role. When meeting with them or their accountant/CFO, I like to get an understanding of their goals and strategies: Where do they want to be in five years, what is their cash flow, what have they strategized on regarding reducing days outstanding receivables or extending days payable. Are they aware and educated on the amount of fraud that is happening, and how are they set to protect themselves proactively. It is with shared success that I find my role refreshing and knowing it makes an impact.

How has your role at Central Bank allowed you to connect within the broader Sioux Falls community? What organizations or causes are you passionate about?

Charity Heaton: Being a part of a community bank, we love to give back. This has given me an opportunity to connect with many nonprofits and help by giving back. I was able to be a part of The Furniture Mission of South Dakota and GoodShred, and am now able to help on a broader spectrum by being a part of the United Way community impact board. There are so many great organizations in our community and so many ways we can each make an impact in our community. I promise, no matter what your passion is, there is a way to be involved. If you aren’t, you’re certainly missing out on fulfilling your own heart while putting a smile in someone else’s!

Jessica Mayfield: Since coming to Central Bank, I have been able to give back through events we have hosted in the community. We’ve partnered with Goodwill of the Great Plains and The Furniture Mission, hosting a freewill donation shred event and drive to collect items for The Furniture Mission. We also partner with the Sioux Falls Skyforce and the YMCA to raise money for the community through a 50/50 ball toss. And we have partnered with the Veterans Community Project to provide financial literacy courses to local veterans.

What advice would you give to another woman considering a career in banking?

Charity Heaton: As a female, there are many ways to make an impact. I find that being curious and always networking has been the most powerful tool anyone can use in their career. If you are able to provide knowledge and feedback, you should. If you aren’t able to, ask questions and learn.

Jessica Mayfield: Take the chance, and have confidence! Even if you don’t know everything or may not have as much experience as you’d like, you will learn along the way through experiences and from other supportive women already in banking. There are so many different avenues in banking; I promise you’ll find something you enjoy.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

Jessica Mayfield: I enjoy spending time outside with my family, taking walks and camping. My daughters and I enjoy doing puzzles, and arts and crafts together.

Charity Heaton: If we aren’t at a basketball court or baseball field, my husband and I enjoy attending galas that benefit nonprofits in our community. When the weather allows, we love to golf and travel! Life is short, and there is so much to enjoy every day!

To learn more about growing your career at Central Bank, click here.