Take 5 with Zions Talent: Daniel Hills

Meet Daniel Hills: Senior credit examiner for Zions Bancorporation, Lakota helicopter pilot and proud member of the Army National Guard.

In the latest installment of our “Take 5 with Zions Talent” series, Hills talks about his personal and professional accomplishments, what he loves about working at Zions Bancorporation, and what inspired him to serve his country.

What do you love about working at Zions Bancorporation?

Honestly, it’s working with the people. The relationships I have with my co-workers make my job enjoyable and easy to come to work. The culture at the bank of kindness and inclusivity and makes it easy to work with colleagues in other departments.

What is something unique about you?

I’m a helicopter pilot in the Army National Guard.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

This is probably more of a combination of things, but I’m proud to serve in the military. I’m proud of becoming an officer in the Army, earning my pilot wings, and deploying in defense of our country. 

What is your proudest personal accomplishment?

I’m proud of my family and the friendships I’ve gained. I really enjoy being with my family and friends.

What inspired you to serve in the National Guard?

I grew up in next to a now decommissioned Air Force Base. I remember watching the planes and helicopters fly there. I guess that’s where my love of service to our country developed … and my love of flying. 

Years later, I found myself in Utah going to college at Utah State University. I almost joined the Army in college, but life circumstances delayed my pursuit of military service. It wasn’t until 2008 that I started looking into it again and took the leap and enlisted. A year later I was off to the Army’s Officer Candidate School. A year after commissioning as an officer, I was at flight school, and the rest is history.

How has Zions Bancorporation supported your military service?

Zions has gone above and beyond in support of my service. This seems to be both a cultural and leadership thing. All our leaders, even up to top level executive leadership, have expressed support of my service in the military. I am so grateful for the support, not just when I go to training during the year, but when I deployed. 

My bosses, co-workers, Human Resources, and executives all took it upon themselves to make sure I was taken care of both administratively and personally during that time. I can’t express how grateful I am to work for Zions and the amazing support they give me and our military service members.

Zions also has a Military Business Forum to support service members. This has provided a great opportunity to meet and socialize with other employees who serve in the military or have a family member who is affiliated with the military. 

Looking to transform your career? Learn more about opportunities with Zions Bank on our Careers website.