Cornelius to retire from Pinnacle Bank

A 24-year career in banking will conclude for Rod Cornelius, president of Pinnacle Bank in Grant, at the end of the month.
I’m excited...it’s time, said Cornelius, who is leaving his options open for how he will spend his free time.
“It’s time to live at home now,” he said, explaining that when you have a job, your workplace in a way becomes your home.
The first thing I’ll do is have coffee with my wife,” he said. “Then, I don’t know, we’ll see.”
He is looking forward to unscheduled time to do what he wants, when he wants.
“In the banking business, there’s always something on fire that needs to be put out right now,” he said. “It’s very personal, when dealing with someone’s finances.”
Some of his plans will probably include fishing with his grandchildren—he has 10—or visiting the 30 states he hasn’t seen yet. “I still have a lot to do,” he said.
Cornelius was born and raised in Grant, graduating from Grant High School in 1975. He attended college at Hastings Tech for a short time, with the intention of being an auto mechanic. He left school to help farm for an uncle who was ill, and never returned to school.
Marrying his high school sweetheart, Robbin Mosel in 1976, he began “raising corn, cattle and kids,” making the only move in his life, to a house 10 miles north of Grant that has been in the family since 1897.
Years ago, Mac McCullough at the local FSA office encouraged Cornelius to find something other than farming, something where he could be around people. He found himself sitting across from Dennis Barclay, then president of Pinnacle Bank, who gave him 24 hours to decided if he wanted a job on the other side of the desk.
Cornelius made the decision to join the bank as a loan officer. Two years later, he was transferred to the Ogallala location, where he worked his way up to vice president. He returned to Grant in 2003 as president.
Banking has changed a lot in the past couple of decades, Cornelius said, noting the increase in the values of land, homes and vehicles.
He praises Pinnacle Bank for their belief in the small community bank. “Decisions are made locally, he said. “That is unique in the corporate banking world.” Pinnacle is a large entity, present in seven states, and in 45 locations in Nebraska.
Kevin Chavira, who will take over as president at the end of March, definitely has Cornelius’ approval.
“I’m impressed.” Cornelius said. “He is more than capable of taking care of things. They hired the right person at the right time.”
“The key to running a bank is to surround yourself with good people,” Cornelius said.
Michelle Ross, operation officer and Andrea Brueggeman, loan officer, have worked with Cornelius for his entire tenure at Pinnacle, and they along with his customers will miss Cornelius’ presence in the bank.
“We’ve been fortunate to have his guidance and supervision,” they said. “We’ll miss the jokes and laughter over coffee break. Cheers to a well earned retirement!”
reception
The public is invited to a reception in honor of Cornelius Wednesday, March 23, 1-5 p.m. at Pinnacle Bank.