As Marquette Bank marks 80 years of service to the neighborhood, we’ve decided to shine a spotlight on the people who have helped make that legacy possible. Few embody the spirit and longevity of our bank like Nancy Bradley, Assistant Vice President and High Risk Officer in our BSA Department. With 45 years under her belt, Nancy’s journey is not just a reflection of her personal dedication—it’s a testament to the trust, connection, and growth that define Marquette Bank.
Nancy graciously took the time to sit down with us for a chat to reflect on her experiences. Here's what she had to say.
The Road to Success: From High School Job to Assistant Vice President
Nancy began her career at Marquette Bank in 1978 as a part-time teller through a high-school work program at Kelly High School, and the rest is history — what she thought was a great way to earn a little extra cash turned into a lifelong career. “I never imagined being here for 45 years,” Nancy recollects. “But over the years, I’ve been able to do so many different things within the bank that it never gets boring or old.”
Her commitment to learning, growing, and evolving within the bank has allowed her to take on many roles and challenges, keeping her career fresh and rewarding.
A Lifetime of Memories and a Career Built on Community
We asked Nancy what her most memorable time with the bank has been, but with over four decades of service, she's collected a lifetime of memories and found it near impossible to choose. Upon reflecting on her time at different branches and with countless colleagues, she eventually said, “Because I have been here so long, I have so many memorable experiences from working with so many different wonderful people and at different locations. It's hard to say which is the most memorable, as all my memories here are memorable.”
Nancy’s story mirrors that of many longtime Marquette Bank customers—individuals and families who started their financial journey with us and never looked back. And sometimes, it's hard to choose one singular moment to herald it as the "best" one when there are so many to choose from.
What Lies at the Heart of a Community Bank
As the bank expanded across Chicagoland, its heart has remained rooted on Western Avenue in Chicago. And despite the moves and miles, the connection to Marquette Bank, for customers, partners, and employees, remains strong.
“People who have moved out of Chicago still remember that Marquette Bank was the first place they had their first bank account, their first loan, or their first mortgage,” Nancy shared.
That sense of personal connection and trust is what makes community banking different. Whether someone is opening a new account, making an investment, or recovering from a fraud incident, Nancy believes they return for one reason:
“They know they’ll get the help and individual attention they need.”
Looking Back While Moving Forward
Nancy closed her reflection with a message of gratitude to the people who’ve supported Marquette Bank’s mission through the decades:
“I would like to thank our current and former customers and employees for helping our bank succeed and be able to stay in our communities to celebrate our 80th anniversary—and hopefully continue for the next 80 years.”
Thank you, Nancy, for your incredible 45 years of service—and for being a part of what makes Marquette Bank more than a bank.
Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews and discussions with customers, neighborhood partners, and employees alike.