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The first individual we want to highlight is Cherry Colgan. Cherry grew up on her family farm and ranch just north of Poplar, Montana. She is the eldest of six children. While she was working for her father on their family ranch, Cherry had to travel to town to cash a check at what was then known as Traders State Bank (a branch of First Security Bank of Havre) and this is where her banking journey began. While cashing her check, she was asked if she wanted to apply for a job! Thus, Cherry began working at the bank in 2000. She started as a Teller at Traders State Bank and then worked up to as a Loan Assistant in Poplar for 4-5 years before becoming a Lender.

Cherry and her husband Patrick continued to establish their farm and ranch. Their growth caused Cherry to take a few years off from the banking industry to focus entirely on their farm/ranch. For just over five years, the two collaborated at work, and loved it! When Cherry's two kids, Chris and Holly, weren't occupied with their extracurricular activities, they worked on the ranch as well.

In 2017, Cherry was eager to get back into banking. She went to work for Independence Bank again maintaining her title as a Loan Officer. She worked primarily on consumer loans, although she also did her fair share of agricultural lending. In Poplar, Cherry is still working as a Loan Officer but in 2021, took on a second job as the Supervisor of Operations.

After Independence Bank made the decision to open a new branch in Wolf Point, Cherry now works a few days a week there as well. Cherry is a staple of the Poplar community and truly loves where she lives. We are honored to have such a strong, selfless, educated, and knowledgeable individual on our IB team!

Our second success story recognizes Darby Donoven. Darby grew up in Kremlin, MT as a K-G Kougar. Darby began his banking career in May of 2008, working as a teller at Wells Fargo during college at Montana State University Bozeman. After he completed his degree in Business Finance, he continued with Wells Fargo as a Service Manager and in 2012 transitioned to the Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Bank.

In February of 2014, Darby moved to Havre to work for Independence Bank as a Lender Trainee. When Conrad opened their branch for full-servicing banking in 2015, Darby made the move and became the Conrad Branch President in mid-year 2015. In June of 2022, Independence bank opened up another branch in Shelby and Darby became the Branch President for both the Conrad and Shelby Branches.

During his time in Conrad, Darby has served on many boards including Pondera Health Care Foundation and Pondera Medical Center. Currently, Darby serves on the Conrad Lions Club, Pondera Port Authority, and has acted as Treasurer of the Marias Valley Golf and Country Club since 2021.