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When you hear people say that not all career paths are linear, Ashley Tripp might be the poster child. From her early days as a teller to her current role as Assistant Vice President / Regional Manager of Business Banking, Ashley Tripp has worn many hats – from overseeing the creation of First Federal Bank Park in Twin Falls to supervising branch operations to managing the bank’s credit card rewards program.

“There have been times when I found myself in roles where I didn’t know what I was doing at first, but First Fed believed in me,” she reflects. “That trust has been instrumental in shaping my career.” 

That trust grew with each role, and these experiences now help her meet the evolving needs of her team, customers, and community. These varied responsibilities also provide perspectives into the variety of business customers that Ashley and her team serve, from the one-person business responsible for everything to larger businesses with dedicated functions that span her different areas of expertise.

Adapting and Evolving

Ashley’s journey into banking started as a practical decision to trade late-night restaurant hours for the steadiness of banking. That decision sparked a career full of opportunities she never would have imagined.

She joined First Fed in a supervisory role but quickly became a go-to leader for projects requiring both technical expertise and a customer-first mindset. From spearheading the bank’s customer relationship management (CRM) system to overseeing marketing for seven years—despite no formal training—Ashley’s willingness to learn and adapt became her trademark. Her proudest contributions include planning First Federal’s centennial celebration which spurred the much-loved First Federal Park and now leading the bank’s Treasury Management and Business Banking efforts in the Magic Valley.

A Relationship-Driven Approach

For Ashley, her customers’ trust is paramount. “I love being the first point of contact for my customers,” she explains. “Helping them succeed is what drives me.” Her relationship-focused approach is exemplified in her work transitioning large clients to First Federal. A recent transition had more than 40 accounts, unique signers, and payroll systems to coordinate, Ashley ensured a smooth transition process, maintaining daily communication and on-site support. 

Her remarkable commitment to customers is highlighted most when there are challenges. When a client had a payroll input error, Ashley worked with her team to issue cashier’s checks and deliver them to employees across the Magic Valley on the same day. “We go above and beyond to solve problems because that’s what true partnership looks like,” she says. 

A Passion for Service and Growth

Ashley’s past involvement with the First Federal Foundation—a cornerstone of the bank’s community support—has helped provide more than $1.4 million in grants and sponsorships since 2003. She also values First Federal’s volunteer policy, which enables her and her colleagues to actively give back to the communities they serve. 

Looking to the future, Ashley is focused on expanding her department and enhancing customer experiences for the businesses they serve. “There’s always room to improve,” she notes. “Even when we’re doing great, it’s about stepping back and asking how we can do even better for our customers.”