Knowledge Center

Associate Spotlight- Joe Mendoza

Associate Spotlight

Investing in the community: A conversation with Joe Mendoza, Community Development Officer at Country Club Bank

We sat down with Joe Mendoza, a community development expert at Country Club Bank, to learn more about his 24 years of experience in banking, how he conducts community outreach on behalf of Country Club Bank, and how he measures success in his role. Here’s what he had to say.

Tell us about your background and role at Country Club Bank.

I focus on connecting with underserved communities across the Kansas City metro area. My responsibilities involve engaging with nonprofit organizations and becoming a familiar face in these communities. The goal is to build relationships, meet people where they are, and make it easier and more comfortable for anyone to approach us as a bank.

I’ve been in banking for 24 years, holding similar roles that combine community awareness with business development. My work fosters relationships and drives outcomes by helping individuals and organizations understand and access banking services.

What does a typical day or week look like for you?

I actively seek opportunities to engage with different community organizations and explore new avenues for the bank to impact. For example, I serve as the board chair for the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation (HEDC), which keeps me deeply connected to the community.

Recently, I attended events focused on affordable housing and youth outreach. Our bank leaders have been incredibly supportive, frequently introducing me to new organizations and projects each week.

What are some key initiatives you’ve been involved in recently?

One significant project is with HEDC, where we recently broke ground on affordable housing townhomes on Southwest Boulevard. We plan to offer down payment assistance to future homeowners. This initiative aligns with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), allowing us to support underserved communities by promoting homeownership.

Another key initiative is creating new lending programs to provide access to capital to underserved members of our community.

How do you help bridge financial literacy gaps in the community?

Many employers have Spanish-speaking employees and want to support them but don’t know where to start. I help these businesses by offering financial literacy seminars in Spanish and providing banking solutions tailored to their employees' needs.

Recently, I conducted a series of financial education seminars for a nonprofit. We have several other community partners we are working with to provide financial education to their clients.

What are the critical measurements of success in your role?

Success for us is twofold. First, it’s about growing our customer base across all demographics. This includes projects like affordable housing and additional deposit and lending products to support community needs.

Second, it’s about creating programs that remove barriers to banking. For instance, we are working with our community partners to understand their needs to help guide our product offerings. Anyone looking to open an account or have their questions answered is encouraged to contact us.

What advice would you give business owners or individuals looking to connect with you?

Connections and referrals are always welcome. Many businesses have employees who need bilingual support or financial education, and I’m here to help. Whether it’s a seminar, a consultation or finding the right banking solutions, I’m always happy to connect. The focus is on building trust and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.

The support I’ve received at Country Club Bank has been excellent. Working for an organization so committed to its customers, employees and the community is a privilege. I look forward to continuing to make a difference here in Kansas City.