During National Volunteer Week, we have even more reason to celebrate the impact of dedicated local leaders like Kelsie Zellers!
The Assistant Vice President and Relationship Manager at Alliance Bank, Zellers, is deeply involved and committed to the Pulaski County community. A graduate of Winamac High School—and a wife, mom, and grandmother blessed with a full plate and a busy schedule—Zellers understands the importance of maintaining consistent community involvement and participation with the people, businesses, and organizations in our area.
“I grew up in this community, and I have a passion for being involved,” said Zellers. “Pulaski County is an amazing place to live and, even though we’re small, we have so much heart. What makes this community special is that each of us brings something different to the table—our own strengths, experiences, and ways of contributing—yet we’re united by a shared commitment to making Pulaski County the best it can be. I was raised with a strong work ethic and a belief in stepping up when it matters. When it comes to doing whatever we can to support and strengthen Pulaski County, I’m all about action, and that same commitment is core to Alliance Bank.”
Being involved is the right thing to do
Zellers’ career at Alliance began in 2011, when she began as a teller in Winamac, and 15 years later—in her current role—she oversees retail teams and helps manage relationships in the bank’s Winamac and Monticello offices.
Unwavering in her dedication to Pulaski County, Zellers—among her many affiliations—is a member of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) Finance Committee and is active on the Pulaski County Tourism Advisory Council.
While so many of those involved in promoting volunteerism and community service programs speak of the personal rewards of participation, Zellers—born and raised in Star City—gets involved, simply, because it’s the right thing to do.
“Getting something back or experiencing any type of return is not at the forefront of my mind,” said Zellers, who has helped to oversee Alliance programs that contribute community funds and have resulted in the donation of thousands of volunteer hours by Alliance employees. “My goal in each moment is to help make a positive impact in the community, and I don’t see that as going above and beyond.
“I feel a strong sense of responsibility to do whatever I can to support the people of Pulaski County. This is a deeply-rooted agricultural community, and growing up in Star City, I was surrounded by people with strong agricultural backgrounds. My parents owned and operated the Moyer Grain Elevator, and without really knowing it at the time, their work ethic had a strong impact on me. Being part of Alliance Bank allows me to continue that approach and to be involved in work that truly matters to our community.”
Stepping up to the plate
These days, Zellers lives in Royal Center, Indiana, with her husband, Brett, and their two children at home—daughter Adley and son, Grady. Their two older children, Tyler and Hollie, are now out of the house building lives of their own. Along with her adorable baby granddaughter, Oaklynn, they remain an important part of the busy family.
But Zellers is never too busy or preoccupied to get involved when it comes to serving the Pulaski County community, and she hopes her work through Alliance inspires other local businesses and organizations to step up to the plate.
“I think it’s so important for local organizations and corporations to be deeply involved in serving their communities,” she said. “Local companies and entities are powered by local residents, and I can tell you that residents of Pulaski County are deeply passionate about this community and its future. So many people who live and work in Pulaski County are already involved in service to the community in one form or another, and so it only makes sense for the local businesses and organizations that employ them to band together for the benefit of everyone.”
A community collaboration
At the end of each day, Zellers is glad to play a part in serving the financial needs of her customers at Alliance, and she feels even better knowing that Alliance is invested in Pulaski County—the place she will always consider home.
“I’m thankful for so many things,” said Zellers. “I’m thankful for my family, I’m thankful to be who I am, and to be where I’m from. I’m also thankful to Alliance for the opportunities they’ve given me, and the trust they’ve placed in me over the years to share our mission, our culture, and our values.”
According to the CFoPC Executive Director, Leeann Wright, Pulaski County feels similar gratitude in return.
“The continued support of Pulaski County by Alliance Bank, which already does so much to serve our community’s banking and financial needs, is beyond inspiring,” said Wright. “Kelsie and the leadership at Alliance have been prominent supporters of Pulaski County for many years. They are an outstanding group of human beings who understand what Pulaski County is about, and they want to help the people and organizations here be all they can be. In a rural area like ours, corporations that care are vitally important. We are deeply thankful and appreciative, and we look forward to many more years of partnership and collaboration with Kelsie and Alliance Bank.”