Rebeca’s Remarks Flourish by Rebeca Romero Rainery

““While there’s no cyber or data security silver bullet, by bringing the theoretical into a true banking environment, we can begin to establish action plans that speak to real-world attacks.”"

FLOURISH

— Rebeca Romero Rainey, President & CEO of ICBA

Cyber and data security have long been areas of emphasis for community banks, but in today’s escalating digital environment, that focus has grown. In fact, our 2022 CEO Outlook Survey ranked data security as a top concern, and as the digital sphere continues to evolve, all signs point to that level of concentration increasing.

When I think about the work community banks are putting into heightening security protocols and protecting their customers, I’m struck by the fact that so much of cyber preparedness stems from navigating conceptual circumstances. Fraudsters continually evolve their techniques to find new ways to prey on consumers and small businesses, and as they do, we must remain vigilant in serving as the first line of defense. But the question remains: How do we stay on top of their tactics and safeguard against a hypothetical, moving target?

While there’s no cyber or data security silver bullet, by bringing the theoretical into a true banking environment, we can begin to establish action plans that speak to real-world attacks. For example, by participating in tabletop exercises, bankers can get a first-hand account of where their preparedness plans shine and where they fall short. By taking cyber and data security from the conceptual into the concrete, we are able to find the chinks in our armor and shore up our defenses before a hacker gains entry.

Because a good defense begins with a strong offense, ICBA has partnered with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to offer tabletop exercises tailored specifically to community banks. These exercises enable you to bring all areas of your bank into the cyber and data security fold, and in the process, create a deeper understanding about what you are preparing for, how it will impact all facets of your bank, and how you can be ready to respond to what may come your way.

In addition, ICBA also has created a Cyber and Data Security Resource Center. Updated regularly with new tools and resources, this center offers insights, tips and even customer support tools for community banks. It helps you not only to prepare, but also execute your cyber plans and introduce new education, training and resources as needed.

In today’s environment, cyber and data security is about constant vigilance. This can feel like a daunting task, but by working in bite-sized pieces, you keep it top of mind on a standing basis and build a culture of cyber and data preparedness. That cyber and data security-first mentality will go a long way in helping to protect you and your customers from emerging threats.

WHERE I’LL BE THIS MONTH

I’ll be participating in our fall leadership meeting as we strategize for the coming year and consider ways to help community banks both manage risks and embrace new opportunities.

CONNECT WITH REBECA @ROMERORAINEY

THE PURPOSE OF COMMUNITY BANKING.

— Dillon Kjerstad, Vice President, First National Bank in Philip, Chairman, ICBSD Board of Directors

What is the purpose of community banking? This is a question that could be open to some debate. However, those of us engaged in the business of independent community banking could agree that a central theme of our purpose is to “Make A Difference.” Not one bank is the same in our great state. Each has its own history and evolvement, but I can guarantee you that each bank still standing today has had a profound impact on the communities and people it serves. This isn’t something that just happens due to a bank merely existing. It happens when you have an exceptional team of people collaborating towards a common goal of making a difference every single day. What I love most about community banking, is the fulfillment received from serving the very communities in which we work, live, volunteer and raise our families. There is not a better model than the community banking model. Our funds are raised from our local depositors and re-invested directly back into our communities. We have a vested interest in the success of our customers and communities as we cannot be successful without their success coming first.

My family and I live in Philip, SD just down the road from my folks’ ranching and farming operation between Wall and Philip. My wife is from Gettysburg, and we met at college in Brookings. We have 4 children ages 9 to 2. I am actively involved within our ag operation and my brother, Ryan, and I work together on a farming and custom spraying enterprise. My wife, Courtney, and I own a group of independent community pharmacies. She received her Pharm D. in 2011 from SDSU.

I am honored and humbled to serve as the 2022-2023 chairman of the board. I get to work with a great group of board members and executive staff as well as represent the greatest industry. I have met so many wonderful people during my involvement in the Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota, and it has made me a better person by being around so many people better than myself. I would like to thank Brian Gilbert, immediate past chairman, for his leadership and support. I will commit to continuing this association’s good work of empowering community banking and protecting the industry responsible for making profound differences in the lives of all those it serves.

“What I love most about community banking, is the fulfillment received from serving the very communities in which we work, live, volunteer and raise our families. ”

- Dillon Kjerstad

FAST FACTS ABOUT DILLON:

Hometown: Quinn, SD

Family: Dillon and Courtney live in Philip. They have been married for 11 years and have 4 children Kaden (9), Grayson (7), Taelyn (4), and Maddie (2)

EDUCATION:

2009 Graduate of SDSU, BS in Ag Business and BA in Economics 2011 Graduate of USD, Master of Business Administration Graduate School of Banking

Goals for the Association: Empower community banking by making sure our voice is strong in the state and federal legislative process, providing educational resources for our members, and maintaining a spirit of community and family for our independent banks through our conferences, events, and retreats.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

• Philip Charities Economic Development • Knights of Columbus • Badlands Eagles Youth Football • Independent Community Bankers of

South Dakota