Business: Deposit Operations Analyst
Business
Deposit Operations Analyst: Leandra "Leanne" Fontillas
By Mike Yoshiura
Working mother Leandra "Leanne" Fontillas has been employed at American Savings Bank (ASB) for more than 15 years, and her commitment to success is evident both on and off the clock. Professionally, she gives it her all and often pulls 50-hour weeks. However, over the years, her dedication to work and family caused her to lose sight of her own health. After watching the first season of NBC's, The Biggest Loser, Leanne made a New Year's resolution to improve her well-being. Surprising friends and family (and herself, too), she lost 90 pounds in 18 months. Leanne says, "My three mottos were: hard work, commitment and determination."
"I did it the old fashioned way-diet and exercise," she says. "Unlike the participants on the show, I didn't have a personal trainer or nutritionist. I was just determined to lose weight and stuck to my routine."
Leanne graduated from Leilehua High School as a three-sport athlete who received offers to play softball for the University of Hawai'i and the University of Oregon. However, she decided that college wasn't for her. "I just wanted to enter the workforce," she says. "Although I decided to pass up on college, in this day and age, kids should go in order to further their careers."
Leanne got her first banking job as a City Bank teller in 1993. After four years of on-the-job training, she transitioned to ASB. She started as a temporary, part-time worker in the Bulk Mail Department, splitting time with the Corporate Services Department. She got paid $8 an hour to mail bank statements and notices to customers, while she familiarized herself with the bank's policies and procedures.
"There were opportunities, and I took advantage of them to get my foot in the door," Leanne says. "It doesn't matter if you start at the bottom, because you can always work your way up. I was fortunate that they kept me on board."
In 1998, she received a pay increase and transferred to the Change of Address Department, where she worked for the next eight years. In 2006, ASB recognized her hard work, commitment and dedication, promoting her to Deposit Operations Analyst (DOP). As a DOP, Leanne ensures that all of the bank's branches follow Standard Operating Procedures. DOPs are required to be proficient in typing and Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS). ICS training keeps a DOP on the cutting edge of computer technology. "My department creates new ways to make things easier," she says. "It can be in the form of audits, procedures or new ideas. I love it here because there is never a day that's the same. I always have to stay on my toes!"
Just like everyone else, Leanne has her share of bad days, but the key to her success is her attitude, regardless of the situation. "Even though I'm having a rough day, I'll stay positive and maintain a positive outlook."