Ann Marie, who loves to travel, visits a friend in Kentucky.
1. Where do you work? I work at National City. My official title is a mouthful: wholesale banking portfolio manager. A lot of people get that confused with investment portfolios, but I actually manage the middle market wholesale banking loans in St. Louis. Basically, I partner with our relationship managers and their clients in maintaining the client/loan relationships – risk management, specifically financial analysis, loan extensions and approvals. I also work with analysts, developing their credit skills with a path towards lending.
2. How did you get started in banking? I’ve been with National City for 12 years since graduating from college. I have my undergrad in finance from Kent State in Ohio, and an MBA focused in finance and international business from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland.
3. How long have you been in St. Louis? I’ve been in St. Louis for five years. I moved down here from Ohio with National City with the Allegiant Bank merger. I’ve gotten used to the sunnier days here – it was really bright the first couple of months I moved here. Cleveland can be very cloudy! I enjoy all the free events here - there are a lot and that’s really awesome! Click to learn more
If there is one thing I have learned from my six years in St. Louis, it’s that this is a relationship town. It’s a lot about how you know. And, well, I need to know more people. Chances are, unless your name is Jennifer Estes or Scott Lapp, you do too. Thankfully this October you get the chance to get to know people in the know.
On October 1, the Connect With initiative is kicking off its annual month of activities. Connect With is a collaboration of nearly 40 young professionals organizations aimed at showing all that St. Louis has to offer. The initiative highlights all the interesting and unique facets of St. Louis, whether it is arts and culture, community service, diversity initiatives, professional development or networking.
GenNext has been a part of Connect With from the beginning and it has been a wonderful experience. We have been connected to many great volunteers and friends. And while I’d like to think GenNext is the only group you need to be a part of, the reality is there are a lot of great organizations in St. Louis.
I’m proud to be a part of many of them and have found out a lot about my community and myself through my participation with some of these organizations. If you have an interest in art or science or if you want to get more involved with your local zoo, this a great opportunity to find out more about these groups.
Of course I couldn’t have a GenNext post without telling you all the wonderful stuff we have planned for October (and beyond). We have some great service projects at places such as the Crisis Nursery and Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club. And we also have two great leadership lunches coming up (Dick Fleming and Hugh Grant!). If you haven’t been to a GenNext event in awhile or (heaven forbid) you have never been to a GenNext project now is a great time to get involved. Just find the event you want to attend on our calendar, and RSVP to gennext@stl.unitedway.org.
The Connect With kick-off is on Wednesday, October 1 at Skybox. Please stop by the GenNext table to get more information on upcoming events or just say hi. While you are there check out what else is going on in your community. If you can’t make it that night you can view a complete list of events at www.connectwithstl.com.
1. Where do you work?
I work at Hammond Associates as the Director of IT. I started as an investment analyst and took over the technology department about three years ago. I’m responsible for setting the company’s technology strategy, managing employees and overseeing software development. It encompasses two of my interests – technology and finance.
2. How long have you lived in St. Louis?
I grew up here. Although I hope to live elsewhere for awhile, I do like St. Louis. The city’s big enough that there’s always something to do, yet it’s not so crowded that it’s difficult to get around.
3. OK, then I have to ask the next question. Where did you go to high school?
I went to Ladue.
4. How and when did you get involved with GenNext?
Actually, I got involved purely by accident, or at least it was unexpected. I went to the Connect With event. I was actually going to meet two other organizations, neither of which I could find. As I was leaving, I was snagged by a person trying to get people to join his organization, and he was also giving that pitch to Stephanie Herbers. We both walked away shell-shocked, and she said, “If you’re interested in a less aggressive organization, I volunteer with GenNext.” I had been looking for an organization where I could volunteer in a very directly beneficial way. So I started doing service projects with GenNext about eight months ago. Click to learn more
The following was written by GenNext member Jenny Viviano. Thanks, Jenny!
A promise of wine and California rolls brought me to Tani Sushi last Wednesday night for the first ever GenNext volunteer recognition event.
Over 70 GenNext members, fresh from work in their business best, mingled around the sleek black bar and sat chatting in the dining area. A colorful spread was laid out on the sushi bar and I happily filled a plate (thanks to the fellow GenNexter in line who deterred me from taking one of the flaming sushi rolls set on top of the bar – those were apparently just for show!).
I found a seat at a round table and joined a lively discussion about which appetizer was best. My vote was the shrimp dumpling, but the vegetable rolls and chicken skewers also had fans at the table.
After a quick drink refill, I sat back down for a short presentation by GenNext steering committee member Christy Oldani, United Way senior VP Kathy Gardner, and Tim Butler, the executive director of Mary Ryder Home. Christy and Kathy shared information on the great work that GenNext does in the community – over 50 completed service projects and 2,200 volunteer hours donated since 2005.
Tim spoke about how volunteers have a positive effect on the quality of life at Mary Ryder. A couple months ago, I spent a Sunday afternoon painting nails and chatting with the residents at Mary Ryder. Hearing how that time really did make a difference was the highlight of the event for me.
Well, OK, the Sex and the City roll was pretty good too!
1. Where do you work?