Longtime Watford City banker announces retirement
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
A familiar face at Cornerstone Bank is stepping down, or rather, into an exciting new personal chapter. After navigating decades of institutional mergers and the rapid evolution of McKenzie County’s economy, Janel Lee is concluding a career defined by professionalism and commitment to local growth. Lee’s career began during the era of McKenzie County Bank, before the successive mergers that formed what is now Cornerstone Bank. Her tenure served as a front-row seat to the most transformative period in the region’s history.
Reflecting on the transition from a quiet community to a regional economic hub, Lee noted that the sheer scale of development was the most defining characteristic of her time in the office. “The biggest changes I have seen is the growth in the community, influxes of people and technology,” Lee said. “The growth of the community, new business, and improvement of existing business has been impressive over the years.”
For Lee, the technical and logistical hurdle of merging Lakeside State Bank and McKenzie County Bank into the Cornerstone fold provided a rewarding professional challenge. She described the integration of different technologies and staff cultures as a complex but essential part of her career path.
In a high-growth environment, the banking industry has shifted toward digital automation, but Lee maintained a focus on the personal touch required to support residents. “I am very thankful for the relationships I have built with customers and the trust they have put in me,” Lee said. “Some are not only customers but have become friends over the years. It is the people that I appreciate most about my job.” When asked what part of the daily routine would be hardest to leave behind, Lee pointed directly to the professional environment shared with her colleagues, citing her co-workers as the highlight of her day-to-day experience.
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