Tara Tollefson

CSB/SJU Class of 1999

Sociology Major / Philosophy Minor

Current Position:

Director of Client Experience, Plaza Park Bank

As Director of Client Experience, I oversee marketing and client outreach and initiatives. In addition, I work directly with staff to improve the client experience and set benchmarks and measurements to ensure the client experience is consistently exceptional. I started as a consultant for Plaza Park Bank in 2007; in 2010 I started part time and as of March 2011 I am full time in this role.

What do you like best about your work? 

I love developing a strategy and seeing it through to success.  Banking is not known for innovative approaches to marketing or client relations, so I enjoy bringing a fresh creativity to the local industry.

How has Sociology help you in your work... how are you using what you learned in college?

I use Sociology every day. When I owned my own consulting business, I developed methodologies for small businesses to gather feedback from their prospects and clients in order to grow and improve their business. Now, working for a community bank, I use those same skills to develop growth and improvement strategies.

Some interesting facts:

In 2011 I partnered with J.F. Kruse Jewelers to launch a line of jewelry designed to encourage people to grow in their Christian Faith.  30% of the proceeds are gifted back to local charities working with teen moms in crisis. I was a teen mom while attending CSB/SJU and understand the unique challenges young moms face in trying to start their adult life while also raising a child.  My son, Andy, is now 17 and continues to be the light of my life.