Kelly Milliken has come a long way in her career as a banking professional. Her first position was at the newly opened Premier Bankcard customer service department in Spearfish in 2001. In 2005, she started at Wells Fargo in Belle Fourche as a teller.
During the next several years, she worked her way up to lead teller, service manager, and then to personal banker. Along the way, Kelly transitioned to First Interstate Bank in Belle Fourche where she supervised tellers, while working as a financial services representative at the same time.
Nineteen of her 21 years in the world of finance were in banking and she is grateful for professional mentors and excellent training. “Everything I have learned has been through previous jobs.” She explained. One of Kelly’s mentors, Dallerie Neff worked with Kelly at Wells Fargo for 15 years. When Dallerie retired, Kelly took her position. It was Dallerie who recruited Kelly for the position at Highmark and provided her with a recommendation.
There is a lot to know about finance and banking. And there is a lot to learn about leadership and people. An effective bank manager must be well-versed in banking, but people skills are just as important. Kelly has both areas of expertise. She has taken advantage of a myriad of leadership seminars and activities offered through various local business and professional associations. “These opportunities have helped me build up my knowledge of banking and leadership.” She noted.
Kelly’s service does not end at the end of each workday. Her curriculum vitae includes an impressive list of volunteer community commitments. “I love to help people, meet new people, and build relationships in our community.” She has repeatedly demonstrated willingness to volunteer, her time, expertise, and interests.
Kelly has served for three years on the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce Board, with one year as president. She has volunteered to take tickets at the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association (SDHRA) finals. She has sold tickets for the Black Hills Roundup. Most recently, Kelly has joined the Black Hills Roundup AG Committee.
Kelly likes kids. She and her husband Jamie have raised two, Connor and Chloe. Chloe is a 2024 graduate of Belle Fourche High School while Connor graduated in 2021 and now lives in Crawford, Nebraska.
As an involved parent, Kelly’s interest in community participation has gravitated to the schools. For the past seven years she has been involved with Purple Pride. For three years she has supported the Bronc Booster Club. Teaching Junior Achievement classes from elementary grades through high schools has been another outlet for Kelly’s skills. Junior Achievement is a program that helps students understand financial literacy and responsibility.
Kelly knows how to balance the responsibilities of work, and home life. “Spending time with my family has always been important. When the kids were little, we always tried to take little vacations or trips. We went camping a lot and have always enjoyed being outside.” Kelly’s husband Jamie is a golfer who taught her and the kids, Connor and Chloe how to play golf. During the summer, Kelly and Jamie enjoy playing on golf leagues at the Belle Fourche Country Club. When not golfing, they like to attend sporting events, plays and other activities in and around Belle Fourche.
As the Highmark branch manager in Belle Fourche, Kelly likes the challenge of growing the membership, and meeting new people. Highmark Credit Union is local, full-service credit union, serving residents in the Black Hills for over 80 years. Kelly looks forward to serving the Belle Fourche community as she continues to learn and grow in her chosen career.
