I have represented Umpqua Bank as a Post Falls Chamber Ambassador since 2019. I love the opportunity to welcome people and support business in our growing community.
My dad grew up in Wallace, Idaho and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a jazz musician and magician. Born in Southern California, I looked forward to visiting North Idaho every summer – deciding “Someday I’m moving here!”
I started my banking career in my early 20s where I learned every branch position and loved helping people. I went to work for a Swiss bank and later sold specialized equipment to banks. I also learned sleight-of-hand and loved to entertain people.
On a trip to Idaho, our family stopped in San Francisco where my dad was hired to lecture to magicians. My future husband Jeff organized the lecture. He owned a mail order business, publishing books and manufacturing props for professional magicians in over 80 countries.
I joined his business and discovered the challenges of being self-employed.
The dotcom boom arrived along with a huge increase in rent, thus forcing us to relocate. While visiting family, Jeff suggested we move to North Idaho. We bought our first house here in 1991 and never looked back.
Fast forward… Jeff had a major stroke and couldn’t work. I jumped back into banking where I’ve worked in a variety of positions including banker and branch manager. I am active in the community and love talking to business owners about their passion, challenges, dreams and how I can help. As an Ambassador, I like attending ribbon cuttings, visiting members, and interacting with the Chamber team.
When Jeff passed, I bought a house in Post Falls and have lived there since 2016. I love time with family, friends, my kitty, Romeo, and also enjoy road trips and exploring new places. I love to travel and experience different cultures, and my most recent trip included Europe and a second visit to Croatia, one of my favorites!