Last Friday’s Future Financial Leaders Workshop, hosted alongside the Idaho Department of Finance and Boise State University’s College of Business & Economics, gave BSU students a meaningful, up-close look at career opportunities across Idaho’s financial sector. For our industry, it was a chance to connect early with students who will soon be stepping into internships and entry-level roles.
Kicking Off With Real-World Insight
The event opened with a panel discussion featuring leaders from regulation, community banking, and credit unions, each offering a candid view of how they entered the field and where they see the profession headed:
- Salvador Cruz – Interim Director, Idaho Department of Finance
- Shannon Stoeger – Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer, Idaho First Bank
- Brad Swartzentruber – President/CEO, Northwest Christian Credit Union
- Gabo Quintero – Interim Financial Institutions Bureau Chief, Idaho Department of Finance (Moderator)
Panelists shared honest reflections on their own paths, the skills banks value in early-career professionals, and the areas where Idaho financial institutions expect the greatest need, risk, compliance, operations, analytics, and credit.
Bankers Stepping In: Career Conversations With Impact
After the panel wrapped, students moved into a networking session designed to create real conversation and real connections.
Participating bank representatives included:
- Alex Suffa — Vice President, Commercial Banker, Idaho First Bank
- David Howell — Financial Analyst, Idaho First Bank
- Chantayn Winner — Vice President, Senior Business Development Officer, Mountain West Bank
- Jenifer Dellgard — Vice President, Director of Recruitment & DEI, First Interstate Bank
Students asked thoughtful questions about advancement, culture, early-career expectations, and what helps a candidate stand out. Several expressed interest in following up about internships and career advising after hearing directly from bankers who’ve built long, successful careers in Idaho.
Why This Matters for Idaho Banks
Workforce pressure continues to build, and events like this help banks connect early with high-potential students who are already pursuing degrees in finance, accounting, business analytics, management, and marketing.
For banks, the value is straightforward:
- Strengthening the early-career talent pipeline
- Increasing visibility among BSU students
- Positioning community banking as a viable and competitive career choice
Students walked away with a more modern, accurate understanding of banking—one built on analytics, technology, credit, risk, service, and community leadership.
Looking Ahead
The IBA will continue working with Boise State and the Idaho Department of Finance to host opportunities like this. Idaho banks benefit when students can see real faces, real stories, and real career paths ahead of them.
If your bank is interested in participating in future events or strengthening ties with BSU students, we’re here to help make that connection.
