Denise Lies is a senior administrative associate who primarily supports retirement plan administration. She enjoys cheering on her teenage sons and spending time on the farm where she grew up.
Below she shares a few things about herself–and her yummy recipe for taco soup.
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up on a small dairy farm about a mile outside of New Rockford, North Dakota. I moved to the Fargo area after high school to attend Minnesota State University Moorhead where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. I currently live in West Fargo (Go Packers!). I am married and have two sons, Tyler, who is 17, and Tanner, who is 14.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time in New Rockford on the family farm. I also enjoy watching football, especially the (North Dakota State University) Bison, and attending plays and musicals for West Fargo Theatre and Summer Arts Intensive. Our family is actively involved in Boy Scout Troop 279 and St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Fargo, where I have been a confirmation memory leader for several years. I am a proud mom: after nine years of scouting, Tyler earned his Eagle Scout rank in April of 2017, and Tanner is well on the way to achieving his.
How long have you been at Heartland Trust Company?
Heartland Trust Company was my first job out of college. I was hired to work in the operations area for the trust department in January of 1993. I transitioned to the Retirement Plan Services area and have spent most of the last 25 years working in retirement plan operations and plan administration.
What is your favorite part about working for Heartland Trust Company?
I enjoy the challenge of keeping up on the always changing regulations for retirement plans and knowing we are making sure our clients’ retirement plans are in compliance with those regulations. I am grateful to have worked for Heartland Trust for the last 25 years. I come to work every day knowing that Heartland Trust truly values its employees and their clients.
TACO SOUP
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion
- 1 can (4 ounces) green chiles
- 1 can hominy
- 3 cans stewed tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 package taco seasoning mix
- 1 package Ranch dressing mix
- 1-½ cups water
- Salt and pepper as desired
Brown ground beef and onion. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 20 to 30 minutes. Serve with chips, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.