Each year the Clarion chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recognizes a woman who exemplifies their mission: “To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.” This year Susan Toftey, Vice President, Retail Manager at First Citizens Bank in Clarion has been chosen as their 2023 Woman of the Year.
Toftey was nominated by AAUW member Carolyn Bowman because of her support of education and opportunities for girls and women. She also spoke of Susan’s leadership skills while serving on many local boards as well as being an advocate for the city, school system, and local development projects. Bowman also mentioned Susan’s positive attitude and insights which gives her the ability to work well with others in the community.
Although her address is Kanawha, she has had a strong presence in Clarion for many years. Susan began her working career in Clarion when she was hired at “The Wright County Monitor”. She then moved into retail working for several years at the former Fashionette and Mr. G’s. She then left the community for five years but returned to oversee the retail functions at First Citizens where she now holds the title of Vice Presidents, Retail Manager.
When asked how her job has evolved since joining the First Citizens team, she stated it is a quickly changing business. Since beginning at the bank new services include debit cards, online and mobile banking, as well as local imagining. Computer scams are now a common occurrence which are dealt with regularly.
Besides working at the bank Susan spends many hours serving the community by volunteering her time. She has served on the former Clarion Chamber and Development boards and remained actively involved when those defunct groups became the Clarion Development Alliance. While a member of those boards she was involved in Festival in the Park, Teddy Bear Reunion in the Heartland, and RAGBRAI.
Currently she serves on several other boards including Wright County Public Health, Clarion Housing, and the Iowa Specialty Foundation. Susan is also the treasurer for Clarion, Goldfield, Dows Schools.
In her free time Susan and husband Rod Toftey enjoy visiting their three children Derek, Stefanie, and Laura and watching the activities of grandchildren, Kyle, Drew, and Ben. Her hobbies include walking and golfing.
Asked what she enjoys most about our community and her career, Susan is quick to say, “It is the people!” Toftey believes Clarion’s small town atmosphere is wonderful. “Residents are willing to work together to support a common cause, whether it be for fundraising, recreation, or a person in need.”
The members of AAUW wish to congratulate Susan and thank her for her contributions to our community.
