Lori Taggert has been in the banking industry for 40 years and has spent four years with SouthState Bank as branch manager vice president. Over the years, there have been changes in the financial space at SouthState, a location that sits adjacent to Starbucks on Castle Pines Parkway; but what has not changed is the staff, full banking services, personal concierge and ongoing support the branch provides organizations through its many community drives.

Lori has always held a passion for volunteering and helping people, whether it be through her personal time or a donation. Her church upbringing and her grandmother’s words, “Give even if it hurts,” became guiding principles in Lori’s life. Giving back has never been a have to, it has always been a want to for Lori. “If I could retire now, I would ride my bike and be a professional volunteer,” she said. Lori grew up riding dirt bikes in Johnston, Iowa; a place where these were the main means of transportation for kids.

Lori is a board member of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and of YANA, an organization that supports the mental health and well-being of moms after giving childbirth. “Postpartum issues are so ignored. It hits close to home for me, and we need to be better at supporting the people who create the people,” said Lori.

Lori is also involved with the Ronald McDonald House, serving meals as well as supplying their store with toys and gifts. “Taking care of the families while away from home is important to me, and sometimes they need a ride on a Harley to soothe their souls and ease their minds if even just for a while,” said Lori, who owns a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail.

What her kids thought was a “midlife awakening” was really a passion and something Lori always wanted to do. It has been 20 years since Lori bought her first motorcycle and she still enjoys every moment on a ride. It is not uncommon to spot her motorcycle outside the bank, embellished with just the right amount of bling around its speedometer and license plate. Banker by day, philanthropist at heart and a soul that was meant to ride, Lori’s colleagues have nicknamed her the “biker banker.”

Some of Lori’s favorite rides today are long adventures with her Harley-Davidson chapter as well as with her partner Doug Barnes, particularly in the “UP” or upper peninsula of Michigan and date nights that include a ride and dinner.

Lori’s deep-rooted spirit for her branch and community spans all year. During the holidays she wears her Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz-inspired sparkly red boots (inset photo above) for the Christmas children’s ride with her Mile High chapter. The ride is a family-friendly event that includes other riding clubs throughout the Denver area. Club members decorate their bikes and visit both Children’s Hospital Colorado and the Ronald McDonald House delivering toys and needed wish list items. Lori’s boots have been “clicked” many times as she makes a wish on behalf of patients and parents during the visits.

“Every time I click my boots, I uplift a prayer immediately,” said Lori.

 

By Julie Matuszewski: photos courtesy of Lori Taggert