(Tulsa, Okla.) – Nikita Thompson, SpiritBank Bank Secrecy Act Officer of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was honored by the American Bankers Association as a recipient of its 2024 ABA Emerging Leader Awards during the ABA’s Annual Convention this past October in New York. This award recognizes the next generation of bank leaders who are committed to the highest standards of achievement and service to both their industry and local communities.
“We are proud Nikita Thompson has been nationally recognized by ABA as an emerging leader,” said Rick Harper CEO of SpiritBank. “Nikita has had a tremendous impact at our bank and is an asset to our customers and community.”
The winners were selected by a diverse steering committee of industry professionals after a review of nominations from banks across the country. The qualities and characteristics the committee evaluated as judging criteria included dedication to the profession, inventiveness, leadership skills, mentoring ability, personal integrity, tenure at the bank and broader commitment to a career in banking, sustained career progress, and academic training including advanced degrees and certificates/certifications.
Nikita has over 15 years of experience in the banking industry, specializing in compliance and community development. She currently serves as the Bank Secrecy Act Officer at SpiritBank, where she ensures regulatory compliance and fosters a culture of accountability. Nikita began her banking career at a Minority Depository Institution, where she held various roles including compliance coordinator, later working for another financial institution in various lending, retail, and compliance roles across the Bank.
Nikita is deeply committed to community service. She is an active Math Mentor for the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, enhancing the math skills and confidence of school-age children. She also volunteers for the City of Tulsa, supporting the HUD Community Development grant program as a community development grant reviewer. Additionally, she has spent the past two years co-chairing the Mentorship subcommittee of the ABA’s Black Banker Employee Resource Group (BBERG), empowering her colleagues and promoting diversity within the banking sector.
Her educational background includes a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship from Oklahoma State University, a Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Hampton University. Nikita’s dedication to community development is rooted in her experiences at Booker T. Washington High School, where she was actively involved in community service organizations.
Nikita’s professional journey reflects her passion for empowering individuals and developing her community. Her leadership and commitment to fair lending and economic inclusion have made significant impacts in the banking industry and beyond.
Learn more about each member of ABA’s Class of 2024.
SpiritBank is a community bank chartered in 1916 with six branches in Tulsa, Sapulpa and Bristow.
###