Committee Chair Spotlight: Terry Chier
The following is a brief interview with Terry Chier, director – personal trust & estate settlement at Thrivent Trust Company in Appleton. Chier is past chair of the 2023–2024 Trust Banking Section.
How did you first get into the banking industry?
I started in commercial lending right out of college with a finance degree, working for a national transportation financing group. This eventually led to working for a national automotive captive finance company offering lending for consumers and automobile dealers alike.
Why did you decide to join a WBA committee? Why should others consider lending their time and expertise to shaping Wisconsin’s banking industry?
In my case, I joined the WBA committee to work with other trust professionals dedicated to supporting and enhancing the trust industry in Wisconsin. I wanted to network with counterparts within the industry to identify and pursue common interests.
How has WBA facilitated the growth you have seen in your career and as a leader?
I have learned an incredible amount by being part of the WBA Trust Section. Having an inside view of legislative initiatives like the Trust Code trailer bill has provided valuable insight and exposure to highly skilled trust professionals. In addition, the content of the WBA Annual Trust Conference provides timely and valuable industry knowledge.
As a banker, and as a leader, what is the most important lesson that you have learned?
That you can’t rest on your laurels. There is always room for improvement and learning. Our industry is undergoing significant changes driven by a wide variety of internal and external factors. Innovation, agility, and a client-centric approach are what is required to succeed in this environment.
Who (or what) motivates you to succeed?
Successfully helping clients carry out their wishes as stated in their estate plans and assisting subsequent generations in doing the same is a real passion for me. Learning something new every day is another motivator for me. This business consistently offers opportunities to learn and grow, which allows you to be a “go to” or value-added resource for clients and colleagues.
