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Community Stories
Sep 15, 2025
The Bank of Elk River proudly announces that Chris Niskanen is celebrating 35 years with the bank. Her journey reflects the bank’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering long-term growth. Over her distinguished career, Chris has demonstrated remarkable leadership, an unwavering commitment to personal and professional development, and an instinctive drive to give back to the organization and the community.
Chris began her journey in 1990 as a part-time teller at School Street. Her dedication and exceptional work ethic quickly propelled her into the data processing area, where she honed her skills and played a crucial role in transforming banking operations. The expertise she developed during these early years paved the way for successive promotions, allowing her to take on increasingly complex roles within the bank.
“Every step in my career has been driven by a desire to learn and grow,” Chris said. “My journey from a part-time teller to Chief Risk Officer has been shaped by my commitment to education and the incredible team of people I have had the privilege to hire and work with. Their hard work and dedication have been integral to our success.”
Chris has actively pursued continuous education throughout her tenure, earning numerous qualifications that have sharpened her expertise. She was part of the first Information Technology Certification Class at ICBA in 2004 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Banking in 2019. Additionally, she received an Executive Leadership certification from the Graduate School of Banking, further enhancing her leadership capabilities. In 2019, Chris was honored with the Top Women in Finance award, reflecting her significant contributions to the industry.
Currently serving as Chief Risk Officer, Chris is part of the Executive Leadership team at The Bank of Elk River. In this role, she oversees technology, operations, information security, compliance, and Audit—all critical areas that ensure the bank’s integrity and excellence in service.
“Chris's journey at The Bank has been incredible to watch,” said Bill LaVigne, Chief Operating Officer. “Her commitment to excellence and passion for being a part of something successful have contributed significantly to the bank's success. She is a leader who not only sets a high bar but exemplifies that standard daily with professionalism and a focus on progress and results.”
Chris’s ascension through the ranks includes pivotal roles as Director of Technology, Internal Auditor, and Director of Information Security and IT, ultimately leading to her current position of Chief Risk Officer. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of security and risk management at The Bank of Elk River.
“I believe education is transformative; it provides us with the tools to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape,” Chris emphasized. “I encourage everyone to embrace opportunities for growth and to keep pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Chris is committed to community service and frequently volunteers at bank-sponsored events and initiatives. Her dedication to positively impacting the community represents the bank's core value of giving back.
“Being involved in our community is incredibly important to me,” Chris commented. “It’s about creating connections and making a difference in the lives of others.”
Chris Niskanen’s remarkable 35-year journey is a shining example of dedication, resilience, and leadership. Her story reflects the values that The Bank of Elk River holds dear, and we celebrate not only her professional achievements but also her commitment to the community.
Please join us in congratulating Chris on her incredible milestone and recognizing her invaluable contributions to The Bank of Elk River and the broader community.
Chris began her journey in 1990 as a part-time teller at School Street. Her dedication and exceptional work ethic quickly propelled her into the data processing area, where she honed her skills and played a crucial role in transforming banking operations. The expertise she developed during these early years paved the way for successive promotions, allowing her to take on increasingly complex roles within the bank.
“Every step in my career has been driven by a desire to learn and grow,” Chris said. “My journey from a part-time teller to Chief Risk Officer has been shaped by my commitment to education and the incredible team of people I have had the privilege to hire and work with. Their hard work and dedication have been integral to our success.”
Chris has actively pursued continuous education throughout her tenure, earning numerous qualifications that have sharpened her expertise. She was part of the first Information Technology Certification Class at ICBA in 2004 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Banking in 2019. Additionally, she received an Executive Leadership certification from the Graduate School of Banking, further enhancing her leadership capabilities. In 2019, Chris was honored with the Top Women in Finance award, reflecting her significant contributions to the industry.
Currently serving as Chief Risk Officer, Chris is part of the Executive Leadership team at The Bank of Elk River. In this role, she oversees technology, operations, information security, compliance, and Audit—all critical areas that ensure the bank’s integrity and excellence in service.
“Chris's journey at The Bank has been incredible to watch,” said Bill LaVigne, Chief Operating Officer. “Her commitment to excellence and passion for being a part of something successful have contributed significantly to the bank's success. She is a leader who not only sets a high bar but exemplifies that standard daily with professionalism and a focus on progress and results.”
Chris’s ascension through the ranks includes pivotal roles as Director of Technology, Internal Auditor, and Director of Information Security and IT, ultimately leading to her current position of Chief Risk Officer. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of security and risk management at The Bank of Elk River.
“I believe education is transformative; it provides us with the tools to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape,” Chris emphasized. “I encourage everyone to embrace opportunities for growth and to keep pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Chris is committed to community service and frequently volunteers at bank-sponsored events and initiatives. Her dedication to positively impacting the community represents the bank's core value of giving back.
“Being involved in our community is incredibly important to me,” Chris commented. “It’s about creating connections and making a difference in the lives of others.”
Chris Niskanen’s remarkable 35-year journey is a shining example of dedication, resilience, and leadership. Her story reflects the values that The Bank of Elk River holds dear, and we celebrate not only her professional achievements but also her commitment to the community.
Please join us in congratulating Chris on her incredible milestone and recognizing her invaluable contributions to The Bank of Elk River and the broader community.
