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“I was born to be a banker,” Melanie Weir says with a smile, “but I didn’t know it at first.”

As a college student, Melanie took a part-time job as a bank teller, thinking it would be temporary while pursuing aspirations of becoming a CPA. An individual income taxation class, along with an intriguing career conversation with a commercial loan officer, prompted her to change her major from accounting to finance.

This pivot set Melanie on a path through various banking roles, from teller to new accounts representative to branch manager to loan officer. Her career took an unexpected turn in 2005 when she gave birth to triplets, born three and a half months early, each weighing just over a pound. This led to an 11-year break from banking to focus on her family.

During this time, Melanie and her husband started two businesses, giving her valuable entrepreneurial experience. “I’ve sat on both sides of the desk,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of understanding the customer’s perspective, no matter the situation.

Melanie’s return to banking came at the request of a former colleague, who asked her to help open a new branch in Twin Falls. She again proved her ability to turn a startup location into a top-performing branch. Melanie would eventually join First Federal, where her ability to strategize and motivate, along with her deep market knowledge, makes her a vital resource.

Now, as Magic Valley Market President at First Federal, Melanie oversees retail banking staff, commercial lenders, mortgage lenders, business bankers, and wealth management advisors. “All the jobs I’ve had have prepared me for where I am today,” she reflects.

Melanie’s leadership style is collaborative and relationship-oriented, with a focus on strategic planning. “Humility is critical in leadership, as is caring and having a plan,” she believes. Her approach has led to notable successes, including a recent branch restructure that earned respect from the leadership team and Board. Melanie also ensures every employee understands the bank’s mission to improve customers’ financial wellbeing, as it helps guide every interaction and decision.

Throughout her career, Melanie has faced challenges, particularly as one of the few female commercial loan officers in her market early on. Her perseverance paid off, and she now mentors others, advising, “You can do hard things and it will be rewarding.”

Community engagement is another one of Melanie’s personal values that aligns perfectly with First Fed. She takes great pride in how employees support their communities across Southern Idaho, and the good work of the First Federal Foundation. She notes how inspiring it was to hear from local nonprofit grant recipients at a previous First Federal Foundation luncheon, each sharing the impact of the grant on their charity. Melanie has since been part of efforts to help identify additional local nonprofits to support, working closely with the Foundation.

What drives Melanie daily is her passion for finance and the human side of banking. Her journey reflects an unwavering focus on building relationships – with her team, customers, and community – ensuring everyone has a chance to grow and meet their goals. It may not have been a straight path, but it was the one Melanie was meant to be on.