Denali State Bank was founded by a local banker, Gary Roth, who sought to create a bank that excelled in customer service. Despite the tumultuous times of the mid-1980s when many banks were shutting down, several investors and bankers believed in establishing a bank that was community-minded and outclassed in customer service. They left their present jobs and teamed up together to start a bank with the mission of ALWAYS putting the customer first. Nearly 50 investors pooled their financial resources together to found Denali State Bank. All of the stockholders were from the Interior and understood both the Fairbanks community and interior Alaska. The vacant St. Joseph’s Hospital building, centrally located downtown on the Chena River, was selected as the Main Office. This historic building holds a special place in the hearts of residents and customers alike. The “old St. Joseph’s Hospital” is still remembered as the birthplace of many Fairbanks’ residents. On February 3, 1986, Denali State Bank opened its doors for business for the first time at 10:00 a.m., with 11 employees and a newly renovated facility. Jyotsna "Jo" Heckman succeeded Gary upon his retirement in 2003 as the Bank president. As the first female bank president in Alaska's history, Jo was recognized as one of the top 25 “Women to Watch in Banking” by U.S. Banker. She has received recognition throughout her professional career, including the University of Alaska Alumni Association’s William Cashen Service Award, the Farthest North Girl Scouts Council’s Woman of Distinction honor, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2008, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Associated Students of Business organization honored Heckman with the Business Leader of the Year Award. She describes her role simply: “Our staff and management are extremely qualified and my role is to build our Bank’s success by leveraging those talents, so we are all working toward the same mission: the success of the Bank.” Jo maintains an open door policy in her office which is located in the lobby of our Main Office.
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