Connie Bakken
Board Chair Emeritus
A medical technologist by profession, Connie Bakken began her third career with the purchase of Citizens Independent Bank at age 56 in 1980. At that time, Citizens had two locations and assets of $44 million. Today, there are four offices and assets of $300 million. Connie says that her biggest business accomplishment has been the growth of Citizens Independent Bank.
Connie is a supporter of many community programs and non-profit organizations. She has been a member of several banking associations as well as the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and was a member of Rotary. She has served as a director of Youth Encounter Foundation, The Foundation HealthSystem Minnesota, and the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on the board of Presbyterian Homes Minnesota, Minnesota Bankers Association/MAIB, and was a trustee at Hamline University.
Awards & Achievements
- Inducted into Minnesota Women Business Owners Hall of Fame, 2013
- Achievement Award - TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, 2012
- Top 25 Women Business Owners - City Business, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998
- MN Women’s Political Caucus Education Council Award
- Career Achievement Award - Women in Business, 1995
- Community Service Award - Minnesota Suburban NAACP, 1995
- Lifetime Achievement Award - Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, 1994
- WCCO Good Neighbor Award - WCCO Radio, 1993
- Employer of the Year - North Hennepin Business & Professional Women, 1990 & 1991
- “Connie Bakken Day” - Proclaimed by Governor Perpich on May 23, 1990
- 1990 Karen Gibbs Woman of Achievement - TwinWest Chamber of Commerce
- “Distinguished Women in Banking” - Northwestern Financial Review, 1990
- Woman of Achievement Award - St. Louis Park Business & Professional Women’s Association, 1984
