How Bankers Trust Embraces Culture of Diversity and Inclusion

The nominees are evaluated by a selection committee made up of members of The Partnership’s Inclusion Council and past honorees.

Inclusion Award Winner

Bankers Trust in Greater Des Moines (DSM) has been recognized as a 2018 Inclusion Award Winner by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Business Record. The Inclusion Awards honor employers that have championed diversity and inclusion at their organizations and within the community.

For Bankers Trust, they say it’s a culture that has a long history.

“It started even back when John Ruan, Sr. bought the bank,” said Don Coffin, President and CEO of Bankers Trust. “He was known for being one that embraced the smartest voice in the room no matter where it came from, no matter what your background was or your ethnicity, it didn’t matter. We’ve taken that culture and moved it forward through to today.”

The community bank, which has about 600 employees, has successfully developed partnerships with colleges, universities, churches and other community organizations to assist in attracting talent from diverse audiences. Its workforce is comprised of 17 percent people of diverse backgrounds, 65 percent women and 30 percent women serving in leadership roles. Each member of the Bank’s Executive Committee commits to learning about and championing diversity and inclusion. Inclusion is one of the bank’s five core values.

Check out the video above produced by Victor Ayara with Kulture Bridge Concepts.

As one of the nation's fastest growing centers for business, Greater Des Moines (DSM) understands and endorses the importance of maintaining a vibrant and diverse workplace.