Mary Ellen Domeier 'eases' into retirement with new career choice

By MARTHA KRIENKE

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Mary Ellen Domeier retired from being president and CEO of Valley Bank & Trust, but she hasn't stopped working. At 62 years old, she is the new executive officer of New Ulm Area Catholic Schools.

"Both my husband and I knew I couldn't quit cold turkey after putting in 50 to 60 hours a week, so we decided I should do something part time," Domeier said.

Domeier, her husband Robert and three children all attended school through the NUACS system, but she never dreamed of someday working there. But after talking with her family and praying about the position, she ultimately said, "As much as I love this school system, if I don't goof up too badly on the academic side, I would love the challenge of moving to something different."

On Jan. 5, 2004, Domeier began her new position at NUACS after being in the banking business since 1972. "I'm seeing that the principles are the same here. It's still team-building, consulting people, not being afraid to ask questions and bringing the same business skill sets I had there to this arena," she said.

Beginning a new job has been exciting for Domeier. She said, "I tell other people when they start on the job to not look and say, 'Gosh, I'm overwhelmed. Look at all this. I can't do it.' Instead look back and say, 'Hey, I've accomplished that. I mastered that. I know what this is all about.' Look back at all you have learned."

Domeier has plenty of accomplishments to look back on in her life. She served as the first woman president of the Minnesota Banker's Association in 2001 to 2002, received the first Athena Award in New Ulm, was named a "Distinguished Alumnus" of NUACS and won the Woman in Equity Award from Minnesota State University in Mankato.

Domeier will be working four days a week as the new executive officer and plans to take occasional vacation time to visit her children and grandchildren. She will also continue to volunteer in many different roles in the community and NUACS. She is a trustee of the parish, working with the finance and stewardship committee. She works with the Oak Hills Foundation and as a volunteer coordinator with the standing committee of the Chamber of Commerce, "ACH ya, too!"

Brian Tohal, coordinator of the New Ulm Economic Development Corporation, has witnessed Domeier's involvement in "ACH ya, too!" a community-based strategic planning committee. Domeier and Chairman Tim Knaak have worked together to make the community-based strategic planning happen. "It's a big project to make sure every sector of the community is touched, and it's coming into focus now," Tohal said. "[Mary Ellen] has led many initiatives in a timely basis and produced results."

Tohal has known Domeier for eight years as they both served on the board of directors of EDC. Being well-connected in New Ulm and well-respected, Domeier has shown a strong interest in promoting the community. "In her new job with NUACS, she will have the ability to move in different circles of people when needed," Tohal said.

John Wisniewski, president of New Ulm's Alliance Bank, has known Domeier for 20 years. As they have worked together in loan participation and economic development, he has appreciated Domeier's professionalism in all areas. He said, "Everything she tackles she goes above and beyond." Wisniewski also admires Domeier's positive attitude and high energy. "She is a marvelous person and [was] a marvelous competitor and banker."

As NUACS executive officer, Domeier has two goals while she is on staff. First, she wants to think strategically by envisioning where the schools should be in five years and create an action plan to accomplish that vision. Second, she wants to develop the foundation of NUACS through gathering donations through a fund drive to help building needs and future needs of the schools.

"I want to be able to hand off a functioning system that works like clockwork at the time I finish here and decide to fully retire," Domeier said.

President of Citizen's Bank Minnesota Lou Geistfeld and Domeier have served on several boards together. He has seen her facilitate meetings and knows this new job with NUACS will be "right down her ally." "There has always been a place in her heart for the Catholic schools," he said. "Whatever she does, she's going to do a nice job with it. She always gives 120 percent."

"I look forward to doing the same thing I did in banking," said Domeier, "helping people realize their dreams - dreams parents have for their children, dreams that the children have and dreams our church parishes and members have."