Cornhusker Bank is a local community bank founded in 1903 with six current locations and a new Corporate Center to break ground in May. Cornhusker Bank has a strong culture of dedication and service to the community and is committed to the success of its staff, customers and the Lincoln community. Perry Haralson is the Chief Financial Officer for Cornhusker Bank.
Tell us a little about your role at Cornhusker Bank. – My job is to oversee the regulatory and financial reporting of the bank along with data analysis of the profitability, financial risk profile, accounts payable, and the overall financial performance of the bank.
How did you get started in the business? – I spent 11 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and earned by undergraduate and graduate degree in finance while serving. I met John Dittman, Chairman of the Board with Cornhusker Bank, through a family friend and he offered me a branch manager job. I’m truly thankful for that opportunity to become a banker.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – My biggest challenge was transitioning from the military into the business world because of the differences in culture, values, and goals.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – The opportunity to become Cornhusker Bank’s first Chief Financial Officer.
Tell us a little about your family. – I married to a wonderful woman, Jennifer who owns A Pause for Paws and the Cat’s Pajamas in Lincoln while also teaching blind and visually impaired children. I have two sons, Zacoben (11) and Niciaden (8).
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The opportunity to work at Cornhusker Bank and move back to Lincoln after getting out of the U.S. Marine Corps. It opened up a career that I never even thought about and has been a great place to grow a family.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – If the weather is good I love golfing or being outdoors with my family, finishing the day with a good Mexican dinner and a book or movie.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I had a near death experience with an explosive device while digging in a cave in Okinawa, Japan looking for World War II artifacts.
What are you the most proud of? – Personally, I’m proud of my two sons who are growing up to be fine young men. Professionally, it would be serving this great country in the military.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” -Philipians 4:13. You can push yourself to do more physically and mentally than you ever thought possible by just believing.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I competed with the U.S. Marine Corps West Coast Pistol and Rifle team while in the service and I’m a pretty good shot.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – The Home Builders Association of Lincoln because I believe home construction is key in the growth of a community. Also, Friendship Home because every man, woman and child deserve a safe place to call home.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Las Margaritas.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Via email at PHaralson@CornhuskerBank.com or visit www.CornhuskerBank.com.