KERKHOVEN, MINN. – In fall 2021, Deb Kneisl learned that Dickinson, North Dakota-based Bravera Bank would acquire the western Minnesota bank where she had worked since 1999. The news came during an already challenging year.

Kneisl, a BankBeat 2025 Outstanding Women in Banking honoree, wasn’t new to change. She had played a key role in State Bank of Kerkhoven’s 2008 acquisition of a branch in Albertville, Minnesota — a deal that led to the bank’s rebranding as Financial Security Bank.

“I was a big part of that acquisition,” she said. “It was a lot of work, a lot of extra hours, a lot of time spent on the phone with United Bankers’ Bank.”

The transition involved coordinating systems and processes, which Kneisl found rewarding. “It was a challenge,” she said. “I got to be mathematical; I like things to balance.”

Her experience gave her insight into what her team would face as they joined a larger organization. But the real hardship that year came earlier, when her youngest son, Bradley, was electrocuted while working as a tree trimmer. Doctors gave him 18 hours to live.

Miraculously, Bradley regained consciousness, recognized his family, relearned how to walk and worked toward recovery. “Financial Security Bank was very good about giving me the time I needed to go be with him,” Kneisl said.

Just weeks after Bravera announced the acquisition, Bradley passed away due to a blood clot. “They didn’t even know us and yet they sent a beautiful bouquet, shared condolences and gave me time to grieve,” she said. “They also let me be here when I needed to stay busy.”

That compassion left a lasting impression. “I knew what needed to be in place to make the acquisition easier,” she said. “Bravera has said it went smoothly with minimal hiccups.”

Kneisl’s banking journey began in 1999 as a teller. She rose to operations supervisor and, following the acquisition, transitioned to Bank Secrecy Act officer — a role she embraced after a colleague’s departure.

“I didn’t ever feel overwhelmed because that’s how Bravera works,” she said. “They make sure you’ve got what you need; they bring you support. I absolutely love it. It’s fulfilling.”

The new role reignited her purpose. “After Bradley passed away, I thought I was ready to coast into retirement,” she said. “Now, I don’t want to coast. I enjoy digging into accounts and challenging myself.”

Outside of work, Kneisl stays busy with her six grandchildren, serves as clerk of Woods Township and coordinates Meals on Wheels in her community.

“Deb continually demonstrates exceptional customer service to both internal and external clients,” said Terri Barrett, market president in Kerkhoven. “She’s someone you can always count on — to do the right thing, to get the job done and to be a trusted colleague and friend. She truly embodies what it means to be a community banker.”

Bravera’s culture of care and connection is what keeps Kneisl committed.

“It’s a blessing to work somewhere that sends emails saying, ‘Keep so-and-so in your prayers,’ or ‘Congratulations on the new baby,’” she said. “It’s a great company. They’re stuck with me.”

Click here to view the November issue of BankBeat.