Karyn Labrie is marking a significant milestone—her 25th work anniversary at SBSI!
Long before she officially started as a full-time employee, Karyn spent her summers and Christmas breaks working as a seasonal teller. She was still in college at the time, and said it was a great way to make money and be able to work alongside family. Her grandmother had worked at SBSI since the 1970s, and her grandmother’s twin sister was also part of the SBSI family.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Applied Actuarial Mathematics and a minor in Sociology from Bryant College in 1999, Karyn was offered a position at our Old Orchard Beach branch. She chose to stay, she says, because she was drawn to the bank’s community-first mission—a value that resonated deeply with her.
What made Karyn's journey to SBSI so meaningful was the strong thread of family history woven into the Bank’s story. Karyn fondly recalls how her grandmother had trained Kevin Savage—who worked at SBSI for over 40 years and served as President and CEO—when he was just a teller.
Over the years, Karyn has embraced a variety of roles here at SBSI. She began in Operations, working in the Information Systems department, before turning her focus to Teller and CTR applications. As the Bank grew and evolved, Karyn’s responsibilities shifted, ultimately bringing her to the Compliance team in 2017.
For Karyn, the move into compliance felt like a natural next step, as her familiarity with the intricacies of the bank's operations made her a perfect fit. Soon, she transitioned into a full-time compliance position, specializing in areas such as the Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering.
One of the things Karyn loves most about working in Compliance is that it provides her with the opportunity to dive into the finer details of the bank’s processes. She takes pride in helping keep both the institution and its customers safe while adhering to regulatory standards.
Beyond her professional achievements, Karyn is quick to highlight the supportive, family-oriented culture at SBSI.
“The bank has always put family first—I’ve never had to question if I can go home to take care of my sick child or go to a doctor appointment,” she said. “They don’t treat us like we’re just a number or just an employee—they treat us like human beings and really care about us as individuals.”
Outside of the office, Karyn enjoys reading—particularly historical fiction—and cherishes time spent with her family playing cribbage and card games. She has also been actively involved in her daughter’s school and various activities. Currently, she is involved in her daughter’s marching band, where she serves as Treasurer and Fundraising Chair.
Karyn’s journey through the years with us has been one of growth, dedication, and a deep, unwavering connection to our values and our community. We are so incredibly grateful for the passion and hard work she brings each day and thankful for all she does at SBSI and beyond!
