Employee Stories: Rachel Kuenstler
December 11, 2024
Rachel’s Perspective - Developing Expertise and Taking Risks
Rachel Kuenstler is the BSA supervisor at Heartland Bank and Trust Company. Rachel’s story with Heartland Bank began 12 years ago, when she started as an Item Processor and Proof Operator in the Item Processing Department at Support Services. Since then, Rachel has grown her dynamic career at Heartland Bank, earning an MBA and BSA/AML Professional Certification along the way.
About Rachel
I live in Bloomington with my husband, Joey, and our 8-year-old son, Oscar. However, both of our families mostly live in Olney in southern Illinois, which is known as the home of the white squirrels. We try to visit family when we can for major holidays. Oscar’s grandparents and his cousins will occasionally visit to watch his games or attend school events. We enjoy spending time together as a family taking our miniature schnauzer dogs Dezi and Meika on walks, being outside, and challenging each other on our mini-basketball hoop in the kitchen. Oscar and I are both fiercely competitive! I enjoy helping with Oscar’s sports as an assistant coach. He plays basketball at the YMCA in Bloomington and McLean County Baseball. I have a lot of hobbies and interests outside of work! I enjoy listening to a wide range of music, like the golden oldies, jazz, classical, and current pop and hip-hop. I enjoy attending concerts in Chicago, St. Louis, or Las Vegas. Joey and I recently saw Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. I make him tag along! I also really enjoy streaming documentaries and watching WNBA basketball. My favorite teams are the Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces and Chicago Sky. I’m naturally a creative and enjoy drawing and painting. When I can, I enjoy fishing for crappie, bass and bluegill!
Rachel's Story
My career started at Heartland Bank. I started in April 2012 as an Item Processor in the Item Processing Department for about a year. I worked in the Support Services building located behind the Hershey 405 building in Bloomington. One of my managers at the time became a mentor to me and encouraged me to apply for the Treasury Management position with the bank. At the time I was completing my Master of Business Administration with McKendree University, and I knew I wanted to advance my career. Having the support of my mentor helped me transition to the Treasury Management Department. I applied and got the job!
Finding a Career Path
While working in Treasury Management, I gained lot of valuable experience working with various other departments on projects, speaking with business customers, gathering reports, meeting with upper management, interviewing merchant service providers and creating various internal documents for our department. It was a versatile support role in the department assisting our Treasury Management Representatives. In 2018, the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and financial crimes world piqued my interest and so I started in the Bank Secrecy & Investigations (BSI) Department as an analyst. I earned the promotion to BSA Supervisor earlier this year. The ever-evolving landscape of regulations, ensuring compliance and staying abreast of financial crime trends means that our area is always dynamic. Our research and investigations help the bank to detect and prevent suspicious activity, such as money laundering. At times, our efforts may lead to further investigations by law enforcement agencies. We help provide crucial information that can aid in criminal investigations, making a tangible difference in the fight against financial crime.
Support from Managers & Professional Development
Each change at the Bank allowed for continuous professional development and BSI is no exception! During my time in the BSI Department, I’ve had the support from some amazing women in leadership: Amy Mortensen, Assistant BSA and Investigations Officer, Ann Rudisill, BSA and Investigations Officer, Andrea Zurkamer, Chief Risk Officer and a previous manager, Rebecca N.
I’ve been supported in obtaining my Certified BSA/AML Professional (CBAP) certification, attending conferences, and joining the Women in Banking Committee with the Illinois Bankers Association in 2023. These experiences have broadened and deepened my expertise in the BSA/AML field and provided valuable opportunities to network and cultivate leadership skills. Having the support for continuous learning and growth opportunities shows how Heartland values employee professional development, which is crucial for an individual’s career trajectory.
Heartland Bank’s Culture
When I first moved to Bloomington, I needed a checking account, and the Hershey Road branch was close to where I lived. The individual who opened my account was friendly and helpful and I felt welcomed at the Hershey branch. The bank didn’t act or feel like a BIG bank. Remembering that interaction at account opening, I thought since I enjoy working with numbers and have strong digital skills, I would apply for the item processing position. I took the risk, and it paid off! I would characterize the culture here as a shared commitment to excellence by providing exceptional service to customers, building lasting relationships and personal connections, focusing on teamwork and community engagement and making it a fulfilling place to work.
Advice from Rachel
Be a team player by supporting your co-workers and contributing positively to team synergy. Show initiative by taking on additional responsibilities, tasks, projects or volunteer for projects outside of your usual role. This helps demonstrate your willingness to contribute and can help you stand out! Also, don’t be afraid to speak up and chat with someone new, they could be your boss someday or it could even be the President/CEO!