Pioneer Bank is a COMMUNITY BANK which provides products and services that foster community well-being. Investments in real estate development and local business growth translates into job creation, affordable housing, and increased public revenue. Pioneer Bank began its volunteer program, Team Pioneer, in 2017. Through the volunteer program, the Bank has donated resources to hundreds of community nonprofits, with its employees volunteering almost 3,700 hours of their own time in 2019 in support of the community’s endeavors.

Non-profit organizations now have the opportunity to contact the Bank to request financial contributions or request volunteers. Many of the Team Pioneer team members are involved in a variety of community organizations. As a community bank, Pioneer is committed to making a positive difference by engaging in meaningful and effective programs that work to improve the quality of life in our own communities and neighborhoods.

Pioneer Bank is proud of their partnership with the White House and is a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Being approved as a Certifying Organization, Pioneer Bank is responsible for verifying community service hours and delivering the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD to honor its volunteers with the one of the highest honors – Presidential recognition.

Hours are measured over a 12-month period and awards are designated based on cumulative hours. The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) recognizes, celebrates and inspires our volunteers to lead the charge. The awards are offered in multiple levels and are designed to recognize each milestone of a volunteer’s service achievement. Levels include bronze, silver, gold and the highest honor, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.

Pioneer Bank is proud to announce that seven Roswell employees have gone above and beyond in volunteering for their community and have each earned a 2019 Presidential Volunteer Service Award at various levels.

Adriann Ragsdale, Pioneer Bank’s General Counsel volunteered 121 hours and earned the bronze award a second time. She joined Pioneer Bank in July of 2016 and is actively involved in the community. She is affiliated with the Chaves County Bar Association, serving as the Treasurer. Adriann was the 2012 Campaign Chair for United Way of Chaves County, President in 2016, and served as a board member until 2019. She is on the board for the Roswell Artist in Residence Foundation as Secretary and serves as President of the Roswell Library Foundation. Adriann is on the Eastern New Mexico State Fair Board and is the Parade Superintendent. Adriann is also involved with the children’s ministry at Christ’s Church.

This is Leigh Humbles first award. She earned the bronze level with 134 volunteer hours. Leigh is involved in an ongoing blanket-making project for the patients of the UNM Children’s Hospital in Albuquerque. She is a member of the Compass Church financial committee which addresses the financial needs and requests of the church, members and the community. She also loves volunteering at the Roswell Community Kitchen. Leigh volunteers for various projects, such as decorating Main Street for the holidays and helping kids select toys at the Toys for Tots giveaway. “It’s an amazing feeling I get from helping others,” stated Leigh.

Lanie Smith is also a first-time bronze award awardee with 105 volunteer hours. Lanie Smith joined Pioneer Bank in March of 2017 as a commercial lender and was later named Compliance/BSA officer in August of 2017. Lanie is an active member of the Roswell community. She has been a certified Jazzercise instructor for many years. She is a board member for the Assurance Home, has recently joined the board of Main Street Roswell as Vice-President, is an active member of the Chaves County Republican Women, member of the Altrusa Club, the United Way Women’s Project, and serves on Team Pioneer.

Also a first time winner is Karen Powers, earning the bronze award. Karen is actively involved in the community. She has been a member of Roswell Rotary since 2002 serving as Board member as well as Sergeant at Arms. She is a board member for the United Way of Chaves County. She serves on the Team Pioneer volunteer program. Karen is also member of the Leadership Roswell Class of 1993.

Eric Ehler has volunteered 111 hours earning him a second bronze medal. Eric joined Pioneer Bank in 2009. He works hard creating get well cards for sick children and volunteers in a variety of events with Team Pioneer. He is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Roswell and New Mexico Connect Class of 2020.

Denise Gendreau has earned her first bronze award by volunteering 109 hours. Denise is responsible for all operational aspects of banking operations including implementation, maintenance, application and usage of the Bank’s core platform pertaining to deposit accounts, ATMs, retail, business, internet, and mobile banking, teller functions, new account operations, resource/call center, and operational administration – but still finds the time to volunteer in our community. She is a graduate of Leadership Roswell, has served as Secretary for Curry County United Way, a past CASA advocate, and is an active member of the Team Pioneer volunteer program. On behalf of Pioneer Bank, Denise visits with the local retirement homes to assist them with their financial needs.

Juliana Halvorson has earned this award many times through her volunteer efforts, the first being in 2012. Juliana serves her community as often as she can, tracking almost 450 volunteer hours in 2019. She currently serves as an Executive Board Member for Walker Aviation Museum, is President for MainStreet Roswell, and helps with many other non-profit organizations, including the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. She is a 2018 graduate of Leadership New Mexico and continues to serve on the Curriculum Committee since her graduation. Juliana has received numerous awards and recognition for her commitment to service. She was named Chaves County Person of Character in 2011, was given the Excellence in Broadcasting award in 2011, and New Mexico Parks and Recreation Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011.

“Pioneer Bank supports our local communities through our Team. We are a Community Bank that encourages our team members to get involved with their community,” stated Christopher G. Palmer, Pioneer Bank President/CEO. “As a community-focused bank, we are committed to make a positive difference by engaging in meaningful and effective programs that work to positively impact our hometowns. We are very proud of our Team Pioneer program.”

Along with the honor of presidential recognition, recipients received a personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States.