Powering Potential: ICBA Certification Q&A With McKenzie Humpal of First Citizens Bank

Q: Tell us your background and how you got here.

A: I began my banking career as a teller while attending Iowa State University and found fulfillment building customer relationships. After graduating, I became a universal banker. In 2012, I moved into a credit analyst role, and in 2017, I was promoted to compliance officer at First Citizens Bank.

Q: How do you structure your day? 

A: I start each day by reviewing my calendar and making a prioritized to-do list, balancing tasks by urgency and time. But no two days are the same. Plans change fast, so flexibility and shifting priorities are part of the routine.

Q: What are your go-to work resources? 

A: I rely on the training materials from conferences, the Compliance Vault and ICBA Community all the time. I love that you can ask questions in ICBA Community and get answers from other community bankers.

Q: What advice do you have for others in your role? 

A: Build a network of trusted peers to share ideas and ask questions. Compliance isn’t competitive across institutions. We’re all working toward the same goal, and collaboration is key.

Q: What are you currently reading? 

A: I’m reading Crucial Conversations, which offers helpful strategies for navigating tough conversations—something especially relevant in compliance when addressing difficult decisions with coworkers.

Q: How does your bank use training for succession planning?

A: We use training to prepare employees for a long career with First Citizens Bank, not only to support their current role but also any future role they may seek. Training across various departments and regulations makes for better informed, well-rounded employees.

Q: What is your favorite thing about ICBA conferences? 

A: My favorite part of attending ICBA institutes is connecting with peers from other institutions. I look forward to future events knowing familiar faces will be there, and while the training is always excellent, it’s the networking that keeps me coming back.

Q: How has your designation affected your career? 

A: Training at ICBA institutes has built a strong foundation for my role as a compliance officer. The certifications give our leadership and team confidence in my ability to apply what I’ve learned, and the resources, materials and discussions from training are invaluable to my success.

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