Oullette, Sheppard promoted at Independence Bank

Press release

Independence Bank has announced the promotions of two of its employees, with Christen Oullette becoming the bank's consumer lending supervisor and Mason Sheppard taking over as agricultural/commercial loan officer supervisor.

Ouellette worked with the bank as a teller in 2012 before moving to Thompson Falls with her husband, Austin. During her time on the western side of the state, she worked as a financial planning manager for three years. Ouellette and her husband returned to Havre in 2016 and she came back to the bank as a consumer loan assistant. Ouellette became an officer in 2018 and a lender in 2020. She is now supervising the consumer lending department, supporting staff in six Independ-ence Bank branches across northern Montana.

"As our consumer lending department continues to grow, Christen will provide the knowledge-based leadership our staff needs to meet demands," said Karene Faber, Havre branch manager and vice president of marketing. "She has taken on nearly every role in consumer lending and her experience will provide a deep understanding of staff and customer needs."

Ouellette graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor's degree in business management and has lived in the Havre community for nearly 20 years. Her family grew by two with the addition of their daughters, Wylie, 6, and Clancy 2. Ouellette said she spends her free time with her family, cheering for the Griz and camping and fishing in the summer months.

Sheppard came to the bank in 2015 as a credit analyst and was promoted to loan officer in 2017. Since then, he has been serving ag/commercial lending customers on the Hi-Line.

As the supervisor, Sheppard will oversee and support the ag/commercial lending staff in the Havre Branch and lead efforts in community and customer relations. He will also continue his duties as a lender.

"Over the years, Mason has developed into a leader here at the bank," Faber said. "As we grow, his leadership skills will keep our lending team on track and allow the Havre branch to meet the needs of our customers."

Sheppard was born and raised in Havre. After earning his bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Montana, he returned to Havre to be near friends and family. Sheppard and his wife, Haley, are busy with their two daughters, Aubrey, 3, and Hayden, 10 months. He said that when he isn't chasing his little ones, people can find him at the hockey rink coaching and playing hockey, or golfing, hunting or spending time with his family and friends.

Independence Bank is a locally owned community bank headquartered in Havre, with branches in Malta, Glasgow, Poplar, Scobey, and Conrad, and Loan Production/Deposit Production Offices in Great Falls and Plentywood. For almost 50 years, we have specialized in Ag and Commercial lending and focused on providing a complete range of banking services for the people and businesses we serve. Our mission is to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships through consistent commitment to our communities and our customers.