As Marquette Bank marks its 80th anniversary, few voices represent the bank’s legacy better than David McKay. Now Vice President and Manager of Credit Analysts, David’s story is more than a career path, it’s a reflection of the culture, values, and community commitment that have defined Marquette for eight decades.
We sat down with David to discuss his time at Marquette Bank. Here's what he had to say.
A 31-Year Journey that Started With a “Temporary” Job
David McKay didn’t plan on building a decades-long career at Marquette Bank. In 1994, he was simply looking for a paycheck. “I figured I’d work here temporarily,” he recalls. “I started as a teller, and it just turned into a permanent gig.”
From those early days working the branches, David steadily moved up, spending five years on the front lines before transitioning into credit administration, where he’s now spent over 27 years managing commercial lending analysis and underwriting.
His story is not uncommon at Marquette Bank. As he puts it, “It’s a nice place to work. You feel like family.” That sentiment was deeply personal when, after his father’s passing, the bank’s Chairman of the Board attended the wake.
A Culture That Feels Like Family
Ask David to describe Marquette Bank in one word, and he doesn’t hesitate: family. “You spend 40 hours a week here. You get close with the people you work with. Even at bank events, people know your name even if they don’t know you personally. It’s just that kind of place.”
That culture extends to customers too. “I’ve had people come in just to talk because there was no one else they could talk to,” David said. “It’s about relationships, not transactions.”
Supporting Small Businesses—Especially in Tough Times
One of the most fulfilling aspects of David’s role is helping local businesses thrive, especially when they’re facing obstacles. During the pandemic, his team helped process over 200 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for neighborhood businesses in just four weeks.
“We worked seven days a week,” he said. “It took the whole bank coming together. Branches were closed, people couldn’t come in, and yet we found ways to make it work. We helped small businesses stay afloat, keep staff paid, and avoid defaulting on loans. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
A Culture of Giving Back
Marquette Bank’s role in the community isn’t just about lending. The bank actively gives back, year-round:
- Ronald McDonald House: Staff volunteer to cook dinner for families of sick children.
- Chicago Food Depository: Employees donate their time: “It’s hard work, but it never feels like it because we’re all doing it together.”
- Port Ministries: Every year, the bank raises funds for underserved children in Chicago, providing lunches, holiday gifts, and seasonal support.
“There’s a lot of heart here,” David said. “You just know you’re helping people who need it.”
Growth Without Losing the Personal Touch
In 1994, Marquette Bank had just seven branches. Today, it has 20 branches, plus a corporate center that serves as an administrative and lending operations center. But despite that growth, the neighborhood feel hasn’t faded.
“Our frontline staff still know customers by name,” David said. “They ask about their kids, their vacations—people like coming into a place where they’re remembered. That’s not something you get at the big corporate banks.”
A Quiet Force for Good
Marquette Bank’s outreach goes beyond volunteer events. The bank’s staff provide financial education sessions, help first-time homebuyers navigate the loan process, and even visit senior housing communities to offer banking services onsite.
“A lot of people don’t realize how much Marquette Bank can do for them,” David added. “From teaching someone how to use a checking account, to helping them buy their first home, it’s not just banking. It’s empowerment.”
As the bank celebrates this milestone anniversary, David’s message is simple: “We’ve been here 80 years, and we’re not going anywhere. We’re still part of these neighborhoods. We still care. And we’re still here to help.”