Shane Glacken, Vice President and Castro Branch Manager of Bank of the West, joined the bank last year. With seven years of financial services experience in California and Nevada, Shane has expertise in personal banking and team management. He brings to the new Castro branch an enthusiasm for customer service and problem solving that supports the needs of the community. He’s a Renaissance man too, whom you might spot at the Castro Theater or walking his dog. We hope that you will “Go West!” as the bank suggests, and meet him in person. We did just that recently.
Bay Times: How did you decide to make the move from your hometown, Reno, NV, to San Francisco? When did you move here and what was it like to find yourself in a new city?
Shane Glacken: Reno was a great place to grow up. Tahoe was my backyard and there was always something to do, no matter the season. After many visits, I realized that San Francisco would be a great place to live and I moved here in May of 2011. The move was challenging at first, because I only knew one person in the area, but at the same time it was a great experience getting to know new people and building a life in a new city.
Bay Times: What do you enjoy most about living in San Francisco? Do you have any recommendations for friends who come here to visit for the first time?
Shane Glacken: Like the Reno area, there is always something to do in San Francisco. On any given day, I find myself checking out new culinary haunts with friends, or catching a show at the Castro Theatre. I take visitors to as many neighborhoods in the city as time permits. I think it is important for people to see the diversity and richness of the different neighborhoods that make up San Francisco.
Bay Times: Tell us about your career in the banking industry and how you became interested in this field.
Shane Glacken: I started my career in banking as a teller. My college roommate worked as a teller and really enjoyed it, so I decided to give it a try as well. I loved being a teller and the experience of working with people in the community. After six months, I knew that I wanted a career in banking. At the time, I had a great branch manager who helped me learn and understand the business of banking, and I have been in a number of branch roles since.
Bay Times: What has it been like introducing the new Castro Branch of Bank of the West? When did you learn you would be moving to the branch, and how involved were you in its opening?
Shane Glacken: Introducing the new branch has been a very rewarding experience. A big component of being a branch manager is getting to know, and being involved in, the community. It’s even more special because I live here. The Castro is my home. Now that I also work here, I’ve gotten to know the community even better. It also helped that the community and merchant associations have been so welcoming.
Bay Times: In what ways has Bank of the West been actively becoming part of the Castro neighborhood?
Shane Glacken: Bank of The West has partnered with a number of community organizations. The bank has been a long-time supporter of AIDS Walk San Francisco. We have embraced the opportunity to partner with other community groups since coming to the Castro. In October, the bank sponsored the SF LGBT Centers Economic Empowerment Week. During the week-long event, numerous Bank of The West employees lent their time and skills to help facilitate the workshops and even offer one-on-one coaching. The branch staff also volunteered at the Castro Street Fair during the same week. It was another great way to introduce the bank to the community.
Bay Times: When you aren’t busy being a banker, what are your other interests?
Shane Glacken: In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. When I need to relax, you can usually find me at the Duboce Triangle Dog Park or catching up on some on my favorite TV shows.
Bay Times: Tell us about your volunteer role(s) with the SF LGBT Community Center and any other organizations you are active with now.
Shane Glacken: I have been involved with the SF LBGT Center for two years. When I first started working in the neighborhood, I was introduced to some of the staff and a member of their board. I was impressed by the amount of services they provide and their commitment to empowering the LGBT community. I started by volunteering in their “first time home buyer” classes. I was asked to join the SF LBGT Center’s Board of Directors in June 2013. I also attend the monthly Castro Merchants meetings. These meetings help me better understand the community’s needs and how we can support it. I also enjoy attending them because they showcase how the Castro is such a thriving and vibrant neighborhood.
Reach out to Shane at shane.glacken@bankofthewest.com or stop by at the corner of Market, Noe and 16th and say hello!
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