Employee Spotlight: Nicole Ceja’s Career Journey with Bank of New Hampshire

A Career Journey Rooted in Community and Growth

At Bank of New Hampshire, career journeys often begin with a single meaningful connection—and grow into something far greater. For Nicole Ceja, what started as a part-time role later evolved into a pathway to leadership, mentorship and personal fulfillment. In this Employee Spotlight, we share her incredible journey and how her passion for people, learning and leadership has transformed into a career she never imagined.

From Bank Services Representative to Prestige Plus Administrator

Nicole joined the bank in 2018 as a part-time Bank Services Representative in our retail group. The flexible hours allowed her to find the balance she needed as a working parent—making it possible to continue growing her career in banking while being available for her family.

She was promoted in 2021 to Retail Bank Trainer—a role that gave her the chance to channel her passion for supporting others’ development. As the training department expanded, she stepped into the role of Training Manager. During this time, one of her proudest achievements was the opportunity to build her own team by hiring a new Retail Trainer to carry forward the department’s mission.

In the fall of 2024, Nicole joined the Prestige Plus team as a Prestige Plus Administrator. In this new role, she helps support the program, which is a professional travel program offered to the BNH’s valued Prestige Checking account customers.

Why Bank of New Hampshire?

Nicole’s initial draw to banking came from a simple but powerful moment. After moving to a new small town, she visited her local BNH branch. Watching the employees connect warmly with customers impressed her. She wanted to be part of that same kind of community connection. Without hesitation, she walked into the branch manager’s office and said, “I would like to work here.” That moment of bold honesty turned into the start of a meaningful career.

Throughout her time at BNH, Nicole has been supported by leaders who invested in her growth, encouraged her to pursue opportunities, and provided guidance every step of the way. One of her most memorable moments came when an internal opportunity opened up—and her manager personally sought her out to discuss it. This act of mentorship and support was a recurring theme throughout her career at BNH, thanks to a culture of selfless leadership that she says has inspired her more than anything else.

What keeps her motivated?

When asked what keeps her motivated every day, Nicole said, “The people—both her colleagues and the customers.” She is surrounded by employees who have dedicated decades to the bank, and customers who have remained loyal just as long.

A Limitless Career

If she had to describe her career at BNH in one word, it would be limitless. When she first joined the bank over six years ago, she never could have imagined where her journey would take her. BNH creates an environment where employees are empowered to discover roles they enjoy and thrive in—and that support has made all the difference.

Advice for Striving Professionals

When asked what advice she would give to those just starting their careers, Nicole said, “Enjoy the journey. Embrace every learning opportunity. Be open to mentorship. Build strong relationships. Stay curious—and above all, let yourself be inspired.”

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our Employee Spotlight series, as we continue to celebrate the unique journeys of our team members.