Donna Shimek and Sharon Harris Retire
Two inspiring women in banking finally take time for themselves in retirement
After more than 75 combined years of banking service, two beloved Texas Citizens Bank Senior Administrative Assistants, Sharon Harris and Donna Shimek, are retiring at the end of January 2019.
Double-Digit “Workiversaries”
Both Harris and Shimek have worked for Texas Citizens Bank for 11 years—starting just after the bank opened its doors in 2006.
Shimek recalls first coming to the bank to meet a friend.
“I came to take my friend out to lunch and went home with a job!” she recounts. The rest, as they say, is history.
Customer Service with a Smile
The pair have their own unique sense of humor and style that customers have fallen in love with over the years.
“Customers enjoy Sharon’s charm, wit, and responsiveness” said longtime friend and coworker Dawn Thomas. “They always know she has their best interest at heart.”
“Donna speaks her mind, but she’s also a great listener,” remarked Christi Dio, who has worked with Donna since the time she started at Texas Citizens Bank. “Customers love that she not only stops what she’s doing to help them, she’s also not afraid to joke around with them. It really makes them feel at home.”
Family First
When they’re not at work, both Shimek and Harris enjoy spending time with family. Most especially, they love spoiling their grandchildren.
The needs of her daughter-in-law and young granddaughter made Donna Shimek’s decision to retire this month a little easier. Starting next month, Shimek will be helping her daughter-in-law during knee surgery by watching her adorable, two-year-old daughter, Shimek’s granddaughter. Additionally, she plans to remodel her house, one project as a time.
“We’ll be extending the back patio, replacing the roof, updating the wallpaper … everything,” said Shimek.
“Your children will be your best accomplishment in life. No other love compares,” said Sharon Harris. That sentiment extends to her grandchildren.
“After a 45-year career, I look forward to spending some time helping our three daughters with our seven grandchildren,” said Harris. “When not helping them, we will be traveling much of the time—our favorite thing to do. I look forward to being able to enjoy my morning coffee while reading a good book, as well as volunteering at Pasadena Community Ministries, a local charity. Honestly, the ideas are endless. I’m very excited about this next phase of my life!”
Good Friends Say Goodbye
“Sharon is a one heck of a role model and inspiration to those who are lucky enough to work alongside her,” said Thomas. “Her caring heart and desire to see others excel is a rarity these days, everyone she has inspired appreciates her beyond measure.”
Dio had similar words for Shimek.
“I want Donna to know we’re thankful for her. She’s amazing,” said Dio. “I’ll miss seeing and talking with her every day, but we’ll always be friends.”
The Retirement Party
Texas Citizens Bank will celebrate both women with a retirement party taking place on their last day. The party will be held at the picturesque wedding and events venue, Silver Sycamore, in Pasadena, Texas.