Horizon Bank Recognizes Advisors for Leadership and Community Service — Lynn Kerber, Heather Penziol, David Eifler and Joe Watterson
Michigan City, Indiana – Horizon has honored Advisors Lynn Kerber and Heather Penziol for The Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award and David Eifler and Joe Watterson for The Burton B. Ruby Community Service Award.
Lynn Kerber, Executive Vice President, Senior Commercial Credit Officer has earned the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award for her dedication to Horizon, and her extraordinary leadership. Kerber said of the award, “It is a sincere privilege to be recognized with the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership award, and I feel this is recognition of my entire team’s efforts. 2020 was a challenging year, and we were able to navigate the changing environment through strong teamwork. Strong leadership is built upon fundamentals under any circumstances – planning ahead, adjusting to changing requirements, bringing team members together, and caring and supporting each other.”
Kerber’s contributions and leadership in 2020 were exemplary, making a difference on so many levels. From coordinating the implementation of the Bank’s new loan loss reserve methodology, to tackling their participation in the SBA Payroll Protection Program, she worked tirelessly to ensure that Horizon not only complied with requirements, but that they provided critical support to their customers as well. Kerber simply never wavered in her commitment to deliver and meet the challenges.
Heather Penziol, Vice President, Mortgage Operations Officer, was also presented the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award for her commitment to Horizon, co-workers and her customers. She fosters and maintains strong relationships with her fellow advisors as well as her customers and is an instrumental leader who consistently thinks of ways to improve processes. “I am humbled and honored to receive the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award. Thank you to everyone who nominated me. I believe that behind every good leader is an even better team and I am very thankful to have such outstanding coworkers,” stated Penziol.
Penziol is an outstanding leader, and always is engaging others around her to work together to create a sales and operations partnership and camaraderie. She demands accountability from start to finish, always using the tag line “under promise and over deliver” and most importantly to outperform the competition. This is proven by the continued profitability of the Retail Mortgage Department who beat all of their goals in 2020.
Another inspirational role model for co-workers, service organizations and community residents is David Eifler, Market President of Berrien County. Eifler was awarded the Burton B. Ruby Community Service Award for his steadfast commitment to community. “I appreciate getting this award and thank all the advisors who nominated me. Community service is a natural part of my life and giving back is just part of who I am,” stated Eifler.
Eifler has a broad network of community connections and continuously helps out when there is need. His propensity to teach also has been a welcomed approach as seen in the communities he serves and his list of community involvements is long, diverse, and prestigious. Eifler’s relationship with the community and sensitivity to how the Pandemic has affected them, allows him to better understand their struggles and needs, which makes him ready to provide support. Eifler also is a leader who encourages others to be active and involved in a variety of organizations and events.
Joe Watterson, Branch Manager in LaPorte Indiana, also was presented the Burton B. Ruby Community Service Award for his active volunteerism, dedication and significant contributions to the Laporte area communities. He has been a strong proponent for serving all Horizon’s markets including their low to moderate income areas. He is known by his customers as someone who is patient and dedicated to providing them with exceptional service with a personal touch.
“I come from a family of community givers, so it’s in my blood to want to give back. 2020 was a year where we had to think out of the box and do things a little differently, but we still saw donations coming in and committed community members supporting those in need during the pandemic,” stated Watterson.
Watterson’s interests and contributions are purely selfless in nature and all about helping others. He enjoys the connections that he makes with other community members and leaders which enables him to learn about the community and the needs of the residents and businesses.
About The Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award
This award is presented to a Horizon Advisor who affects positive change for customers, company and community, as exemplified by outstanding leadership, professionalism, collaboration and commitment to customers, and who is an active community volunteer. Mr. Dabagia provided leadership, guidance and inspiration throughout his years, generously giving of his time and expertise to the Horizon Bank and the community. In honor of his outstanding leadership and service, Horizon's Leadership Award has been named the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award.
About The Burton B. Ruby Community Service Award
This award recognizes a Horizon Advisor who has significantly contributed to the communities they serve through active volunteerism, leadership and contributions. Burton “Bud” Ruby, for whom the award is named, had long been recognized for his outstanding activism in local and national concerns, including health care, education and commerce. He had received the human relation’s award by the B’nai B’rith and the State of Indiana’s highest civilian honor, The Sagamore of the Wabash Award.
###
Contact: Amy Phares
Public Relations Manager
Phone: (219) 874-9208
Fax: (219) 873-2628