Jonathan Smith, Vice President of Finance, Telco Triad Community Credit Union

Volunteer:

Siouxland Community Foundation – Board President

Girls Inc. of Sioux City – Treasurer

Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland – Board Member

Iowa Women’s Foundation (Coralville) – Finance Committee

Briar Cliff University – Alumni Board Member

Northwest Iowa Chapter of Credit Unions – Treasurer

What are you passionate about, and how do you use your voice/talent to make a difference?

I am passionate about developing people and strengthening the community that has given me so much in Siouxland. As a leader at my credit union, I have the privilege of helping guide an organization committed to improving our members’ financial well-being and supporting the communities we serve. I use my voice and leadership to encourage others, bring people together, and create opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. 

Beyond my career, serving on local nonprofit and community boards has let me collaborate with passionate leaders who make Siouxland stronger every day. Earlier in my life, my time playing professional indoor football for the Sioux City Bandits taught me the value of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and servant leadership. These lessons continue to shape how I lead today. Coaching youth sports is another way I invest in the next generation, teaching young athletes that character, respect, accountability, and teamwork matter as much as the final score. Through my career, community service, and coaching, I want to help people recognize their potential and understand the impact they can have on those around them.

What is your vision for the future of Siouxland?

My vision for Siouxland is to become the community of choice for families, businesses, and young professionals. I want Siouxland to be known as a place where people can build meaningful careers, start and grow businesses, raise families, and find opportunities to serve and make a difference. We already have incredible people, organizations, and a strong sense of community here, but our future depends on continued investment in leadership, collaboration, economic opportunity, and the next generation. I hope we continue creating reasons for talented people to stay in Siouxland, return home, or choose to build their future here. If we work together and remain intentional about developing people and strengthening our communities, I believe Siouxland’s best years are still ahead of us.

What are you doing to make that happen?

I am working to make that vision a reality by leading with integrity, supporting local organizations through board service, mentoring and developing my team, coaching young athletes, and actively engaging in initiatives that strengthen our region. In each of those roles, I try to create opportunities for others to grow, lead, and become more involved in the community. I also believe it is important to lead by example—showing that meaningful progress often starts with people who are willing to give their time, share their experience, and work alongside others toward a common goal. Lasting change does not happen because of one person or one organization; it happens when people step forward, serve, collaborate, and invest in something bigger than themselves.

How can people help you make that happen?

The community can help by getting involved and finding a way to contribute that matches their interests and talents. Volunteer with a nonprofit, mentor a young professional, coach a youth team, support local businesses, serve on a board, or simply look for opportunities to encourage and connect others. Not everyone has to contribute in the same way, and making a difference does not always require a major time commitment. Every person has unique skills, experiences, and relationships that can make Siouxland stronger. When more of us choose to participate, support one another, and take ownership of our community’s future, we create a place where more people have the opportunity to thrive.

What quote inspires you?

“There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking.” — Brian Tracy.

This quote reminds me that growth often begins with mindset. It challenges me to keep learning, set high expectations for myself, and encourage others to believe they can do more than they may initially think.