As a banker, Kevin Tiernan finds himself thinking now and then about George Bailey, everyman’s banker from the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

And Tiernan is nearly as quotable. When asked whether it’s a requirement that bankers wear a tie, Tiernan said: “If people trust me with their finances, I think there is a certain way to look. You don’t have to have your tie so tight that you can’t treat people with respect.”

Unlike the movie character, who got into the financial services industry by working for the building and loan association started by his father and uncle, Tiernan said, “I have no idea what led me here.”

One thing is for certain, his commitment to serving the community where he works and lives is a direct connection to Bailey.

Tiernan’s mother did work as a teller for Bankers Trust Co. His dad is a businessman who started an electrical contracting company with partners.

His gift for a good quotation probably comes from family conversations.

“You can’t imagine the colorful words that I heard over the dinner table,” Tiernan said.

The conversations also instilled a work ethic and values that help guide him through his professional and personal lives.

“My values never came out of book,” he said. “It was just about how to treat people; to be a person who would treat everyone the same way.”

Those values have worked in his favor.

“Kevin has a passion for his profession and his community,” said Bankers Trust President and CEO Suku Radia. 

“He is a man of integrity and has a great career ahead of him.”

Tiernan said that Des Moines provides the opportunity to turn heads your way and have an impact on the city’s future. 

He presided over the Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce when it was in its infancy and competing for attention among other notable organizations, such as the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

“You’ve got to be able to give that elevator speech in about 20 seconds,” he said.

Reasons he’s a forty:

• He’s a mentor for the Des Moines “I Have a Dream” Foundation.
• He serves on the Variety – The Children’s Charity of Iowa board of directors.
• He’s a member of the Community Youth Concepts board of directors.
• He received the 2012 Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award.