Committee Chair Spotlight: Mira Hird

The following is a brief interview with Mira Hird, assistant vice president – residential relationship manager at Peoples State Bank, Wauzeka. Hird is chair of the 2023–2024 Mortgage Lending Committee.

How did you first get into the banking industry?

I found my finance and business classes very interesting in high school and started my first banking job while going to school.

Why did you decide to join a WBA committee? Why should others consider lending their time and expertise to shaping Wisconsin’s banking industry?

My supervisor asked if I would be willing to be a part of the committee in her absence if she was unable to attend.

I have found the committee to be a great resource.  It’s great to use the members to bounce ideas off of and see what they are experiencing in their areas and if they are the same issues we are seeing.  Lending your time and having our voices heard to provide feedback to our industry leaders of concerns is important in continuing to forward.

How has WBA facilitated the growth you have seen in your career and as a leader?

I have attended several WBA schools and courses: Residential Lending Committee, Residential Lending School, Consumer Lender School, Agricultural Lending School, Several (FIPCO) Software Users Conferences, and many more.

As a banker, and as a leader, what is the most important lesson that you have learned?

Change is inevitable in our industry.  Regulations, forms, software, processes, plus much more are always being altered or changed.  Learning to accept that and be open to new ways on how to adapt or change your job duties will get you further in your career.

Who (or what) motivates you to succeed?

My customers. . . I’m always working to serve them the best way possible and work hard to go above and beyond what their needs are.  I strive to be the contact for all of their banking needs.