Dill’s Banking Career Success
Samantha Dill, vice president and compliance officer at Danville State Savings Bank, has risen from loan assistant to VP, driven by networking and seizing opportunities. She is active in her community as a school board member, enriching local initiatives.
Samantha’s involvement with the IBA has deepened her compliance expertise and operational efficiency. Her guiding principle is “Take the extra step now, benefit later.”
What is your job title/position at your bank?
Vice President, Compliance Officer – I oversee all regulatory compliance for BSA, deposit and lending as well as conduct all internal audits for the bank.
Where did you attend college/what degree(s) have you obtained?
I attended Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa and received my AA in Business Administration. I started college wanting a career in Psychology and along the way realized I was still undecided so I settled on a degree that I could use universally.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
My greatest achievement is simply grinding my way up from the ground floor of the loan department. I started my career as a Loan Assistant then worked several years as a Loan Processor where I learned the ins and outs of residential mortgage lending. From there, I specialized as a Loan Closer then took a brief role as a Loan Officer before being promoted to VP Compliance Officer at Danville State Savings Bank. Looking back, I never thought I’d have a career in Compliance but I’m so glad I was given the opportunity and took the leap.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
You can’t be shy; get out of your bubble and make connections – I would be lost if I didn’t have peers or a network of people to have connected with to ask questions. It’s okay to not have the answer, but you need to know who to ask to find it.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
I recently attended a career fair at my local high school and through conversations with them, many were interested in nursing but still unsure. I was explaining to them banking was a great career to start out in as it offers so much real-world experience in their own financials, and it offers great working hours! That’s the beginning reason why I got into banking; I was a young mom who wanted a career that allowed me holidays off and to be home every night for dinner and to tuck my daughter into bed.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Iowa Bankers Association has helped me grow tremendously, specifically with their in-persona compliance schools and peer group events. Each time I’m at a school, I come back with a wealth of knowledge as well as tools to start implementing right away. It has helped me reshape internal processes in a more efficient capacity and has given me a better understanding of how and why certain processes must be taken. I must also commend Iowa Bankers Association for their willingness to answer any question thrown their way through the hotline, whether that be based on regulation, policy or process; if I need help, I know they will be there. Additionally, I have greatly enjoyed being a part of the Compliance School Advisory board for the last year and being involved with other colleagues on the same career path.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
Aside from being a mom to a 2 year old and 11 year old, when I’m not working, I can be found within my hometown giving back. Last year I was elected as a school board member of my former high school, and I have enjoyed taking a deeper dive into what it takes to run a school district. I’m also part of my community’s enhancement committee where we strive to enhance the town; we recently wrapped up a spring town-wide garage sale and hope to start hosting town-wide events in the near future.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Take the extra step, do the extra work now and you’ll thank yourself later.