25 Years at One Company: The Loyalty Secret That Built a Banking Empire with Nan Poppen of First Bank & Trust

Nan Poppen, Chief Human Resources Officer of First Bank & Trust, has dedicated over 25 years to the company, leading its HR department for the last 17 years. Nan is a rare example of loyalty and people-first leadership in an era defined by career moves and shifting priorities. She oversees HR for a workforce of over 750 employees across 17 branches, spearheading everything from strategic hiring, DEI, and leadership development to nurturing a culture rooted in community and connection.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:09 Longevity in one company reflects loyalty and opportunity.06:44 “Bank Easy” embodies customer-first values and simplicity.07:56 Culture Camp connects new hires directly with company leaders.10:42 The Doughnut Tour strengthens relationships across every branch.12:34 Onsite childcare boosts recruitment, retention, and legacy.14:29 Community banking thrives on local investment and connection.16:26 A growth mindset and curiosity drive successful hires.23:05 Hiring for retention outperforms hiring to fill a seat.27:41 Success is measured by impact, not titles.Resources Mentioned:Nan Poppenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nan-poppen/First Bank & Trust | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/first-bank-&-trust/First Bank & Trust | Websitehttps://www.bankeasy.comThank you for listening to “Hire Learning with Oz Rashid.” Don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. Connect with our host, Oz Rashid, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozrashid.   To learn more about MSH, visit https://www.talentmsh.com.#TalentAcquisition #HiringStrategy #EnterpriseHiring #GigEconomy #AIinHR #WorkforceTrends