Amy Wise
Vice president, treasury management relationship manager, Community State Bank
Age: 38
Education: Associate’s in culinary arts, Des Moines Area Community College; bachelor's in hospitality administration and a minor in food and beverage, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Husband: Aaron Wise
Children: Finley Lynn Wise (6), River Ray Wise (3)
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I serve on the Variety – The Children’s Charity of Iowa board of directors, as well as committee member for Rose’s & Rye and Two Days of Compassion.
In 2025, I demonstrated a strong civic commitment by contributing 120-plus hours of volunteer service to diverse nonprofit organizations across Greater Des Moines.
Orchestrated and executed my very own VIP fundraising event for Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, successfully raising over $12,000 to support local children’s initiatives.
Acted as the official organizational representative across multiple community committees, strengthening key partnerships and promoting strategic objectives.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
My father, a financial planner, taught me that small habits can define your future. That $5 daily Starbucks adds up to $1,850 per year and over $18,250 in a decade. Little changes over time can have a huge impact. His advice has shaped my personal success, and now I want to help others make smart financial decisions just like he helped me.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
I’m a firm believer that your best work happens just outside your comfort zone. I’ve dedicated my career to being a “forever student” — continually broadening my expertise so I can tackle today’s challenges with tomorrow’s solutions. I’m not just keeping up with the industry but helping lead the way.
What are your aspirations for the future?
While women lead entry-level banking roles, they remain underrepresented at the executive leadership level. I am driven to change this! I am eager to lead complex projects that sharpen my expertise and demonstrate my executive readiness. My goal is to earn my seat while building a pipeline for future female leaders.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
As a leader, continuous improvement is essential for staying effective in a rapidly changing work environment. I am dedicated to continuous learning, while staying open to new ideas, questioning my own assumptions and responding to challenges with an open mind, while maintaining composure under pressure.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
Take time to celebrate your wins! To the young professionals out there I challenge you to shift from a mindset of passive employment to a proactive ownership of your career, start by documenting your wins. Don’t wait for your boss to notice your hard work or for a performance review to outline your success and achievements.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
Daily planning and prioritization. I take the time to structure my day before it begins to focus on high-impact tasks, rather than reacting to incoming demands. In turn, I have increased my productivity, reduced some stress and ensured progress on long-term goals by controlling my schedule.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
The “sales-first” mindset. Where organizations focus on pushing products to generate revenue, rather than focusing on clients’ financial well-being or experience. We need to shift the focus from merely selling products to providing genuine value, convenience and financial health, which builds long-term relationships and trust.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Iowa faces a significant public health challenge with the second-highest and fastest-rising cancer rates in the U.S. While the causes are complex and multifaceted, the impact on our families is undeniable. We must prioritize research and collaborative health initiatives to reverse these trends. Like so many Iowans, cancer has touched almost everyone I know.
What’s one fun fact about you?
From cornfields to the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip: I left small-town Iowa to attend UNLV for their No. 1-ranked hospitality administration program. Moving from rural Iowa to the heart of Las Vegas was the ultimate crash course in adaptability. It taught me how to thrive in any environment — whether it’s a quiet boardroom or a high-stakes industry that’s louder than a “Jackpot” on a Saturday night.
Hobbies: Spending time outdoors, fishing and shopping.
What is one word that best describes you?
Radiant.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
The scallops at Ohana Steakhouse!
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
When I was younger, we drove six hours to St. Louis with a garter snake in our car.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Trip to Lake of the Ozarks and the Iowa State Fair.
What is your go-to snack?
Smart Popcorn.