Rivers Edge Bank Employees Graduate from ICBSD Level Up Leadership Program
August 28, 2025
Two Rivers Edge Bank employees, Amy Penning, Assistant Vice President – Loan Administration, and Carmen Piehl, Vice President – Information Security, recently graduated from the Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota (ICBSD) Level Up leadership series.
The professional development program, taught by instructor Neil Jensen and incorporating elements of the Dale Carnegie curriculum, is designed to equip community bankers with leadership skills that prepare them to serve as future leaders in the industry. Over the course of several months, participants completed sessions across eastern South Dakota and engaged in activities such as cooking classes, archery, golfing, and an escape room, all while strengthening teamwork and communication skills.
The program featured four courses—Getting Personal, High Impact Presentations, The Challenge of Leading, and The Power of Communication. Each course emphasized practical lessons participants could bring back to their banks and communities.
ICBSD Level Up Program Class of 2025
Piehl reflected on her experience, saying, “The program definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I could feel the difference from the first to the last meeting. Getting up in front of the group to give speeches was difficult at first, but over time my confidence improved and I began viewing challenges through a new lens. One key lesson I’ll carry forward is the cycle of development—skill, attitude, practice, and knowledge. Small internal changes can lead to big external results.”
Penning said she especially valued the practical applications of the program. “One story from our first day really stuck with me. We learned through a baseball analogy the importance of listening and making others feel important—simple strategies, but easy to forget. The program also challenged us to apply leadership principles to a project at work, which helped me put what I learned into action. I’ve become more aware of how I interact with coworkers and customers and how I can continue to grow as a leader.”
The program wrapped up at the ICBSD Retreat in Deadwood, SD, where participants and their families celebrated graduation alongside peers from across the state.
Jodi Eich, Chief Operating Officer at Rivers Edge Bank, and Past Chair of ICBSD, shared her pride in Amy and Carmen’s achievement: “Carmen and Amy consistently demonstrate initiative, a commitment to growth, and a desire to help those around them. Through the Level Up program, they’ve further developed their leadership skills, and it’s inspiring to watch them lead with confidence while helping drive success for the bank and our communities.”
Rivers Edge Bank congratulates Amy and Carmen on their accomplishment and looks forward to seeing the positive impact their leadership will bring to both the bank and the communities it serves.
Michael Behl (left), ICBSD Chairman, and Jodi Eich, ICBSD Immediate Past Chairwoman, present Amy Penning and Carmen Piehl (center) with their award for completing the ICBSD Level Up program.