Finalist
Financial Services
Do the right thing. It sounds like an overly simple way to run a business in today’s complex world, but for Kimberly Kaselionis, it’s the only way.
She knows that Circle Bank, where she serves as president and CEO, is a part of the social fabric of the community and leads it always aware of what it will contribute and who will benefit from it. And she measures every decision against whether she’s doing the right thing, using it as a reality check to make sure that every decision is made only after considering all possible consequences to the business, its employees, its customers, its industry and the community at large.
Employing this strategic thinking has served Kaselionis well in an environment in which there is increasing pressure to deliver short-term financial performance in challenging economic times. By maintaining her obligation to do the right thing, she continues to put her clients, the community, her employees and their well-being first, recognizing that success is a long-term proposition achieved only by the success of all stakeholders in the business.
Circle Bank came into being in 1996 out of its predecessor, New West Thrift and Loan, which had come under regulatory scrutiny. Kaselionis, who was a member of the board, was named president six years into the existence of the bank and tasked with overcoming financial and social obstacles and restoring the bank’s credibility and integrity in the eyes of its customers and community.
And guiding her along the way was the motto, “Do the right thing.” By looking at bank offerings from the point of view of the client and community and testing them against their long-term value, Kaselionis and Circle Bank have created an institution that is recognized for its contribution to the community.
How to reach: Circle Bank, (415) 493-3100 or www.circlebank.com
