Karen DeVries to Retire After 50 Years of Service at Bank of Utah

Ogden, Utah, March 25, 2024 – After an esteemed 50-year career, Karen DeVries bids farewell to Bank of Utah on March 27. As the executive assistant for the commercial lending team, headquartered in Ogden, DeVries leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment.

Frank Browning, chairman of the board for Bank of Utah, fondly reminisces about his early days at the bank, reflecting on DeVries’ steadfast presence since he started at the age of 16. “She is a great person and an exceptional employee. She is very productive, and her people skills have earned her the respect and admiration of everyone who has had the privilege of working with her,” Browning said.

Liz Warner, Bank of Utah’s vice president of CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) and lending compliance officer, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing DeVries’ unparalleled dedication to customer service. “Karen is always willing to go above and beyond for our customers,” Warner said. “I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been with her when she’s received a phone call from a bank customer. Even though she’s not at the bank in those moments, she makes sure to listen and take care of their needs. She is never too busy to be available to assist the customers. She is kind and caring.”

“When I first started in the check filing department, I didn’t think I’d be at Bank of Utah for more than five years — it ended up being 50,” said DeVries. “Because of the people, the challenge of the job and opportunity for advancement, it became home for me. The Browning family has been exceptionally nice to me, as well as all of the mentors and leaders who have made me who I am today — they are like family. I can’t imagine myself at any other place.”

Over her years at the bank, DeVries has supported five leaders in charge of lending. Today, her experience holds special significance. Having honed her skills under the guidance of Michael Fosmark, a former chief lending officer for Bank of Utah, she now finds herself working with his son, Brady Fosmark, the bank’s current chief lending officer. This full-circle experience speaks volumes about the enduring relationships she’s fostered within the bank.

A pillar of support throughout her tenure, DeVries has offered not only her expertise to colleagues but also her positivity. Her commitment is evident in her punctuality (arriving bright and early daily at 7:15 a.m.), and she never misses a bank event. Warner further praises DeVries’ adaptability to evolving technologies and her invaluable contributions to Bank of Utah’s success. Highlighting DeVries’ warmth and positive influence, Warner said, “She knows how to do her job and does it well. Her proficiency in her role is unmatched, and her friendly presence — accompanied by M&Ms on her desk and Wintergreen Lifesavers at lending committee meetings — will be missed.”

As DeVries embarks on her well-deserved retirement, her colleagues express both happiness for her new chapter and a sense of loss at her departure. “She’s made the bank a better place. Bank of Utah is great, and Karen has been a great part of it,” Browning said.