Community Financial System, Inc. Culture and Diversity Council
The Community Financial System, Inc. (CFSI) Culture and Diversity Council grew from the ground up. Once the seed was planted, one person raised a hand to foster it, and then another and another. The passion to support this initiative was obvious before it even had a name. Our Mission is to put faces and names to the concepts of diversity and inclusion. We are here to make sure no one feels unheard, unseen or uninvited. Through that effort, we’ll foster a culture that doesn’t just accept diversity, but values it.
Monthly Spotlight
This Veterans Day (Nov. 11), we’re proud to highlight a personal story of service from Valeri Erlandson, branch manager of the Cascade office in Springville, NY. Prior to joining the Community Bank team, Valeri served 13 years in the US Air Force as an information manager, records manager, and special security officer at the Pentagon. During her time in the Air Force, she completed a tour at the United Arab Emirates during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Although no longer on active duty, Valeri remains an active member and supporter of veterans’ organizations, including the WNY Heroes veterans’ group in Buffalo, NY, and she leads veteran outreach efforts on behalf of Community Bank’s Western New York area branches.
Read the Q&A below to learn more about Valeri as she reflects on her time in and outside of the US Air Force.
When did you enlist in the US Air Force and what led you to choose your branch of service?
I enlisted right before my 19th birthday in November of 1995 and ended my enlistment in 2008. I chose the Air Force because my grandfather served in the Army and highly suggested the Air Force.
During that time, I served at Pope Air Force Base (43rd Security Forces Squadron and 41st Airlift Squadron), Al Dhafra AB in the United Arab of Emirates, and, lastly, for the Defense Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon.
Is there a core memory you have from your time in the US Air Force?
I remember standing up with everyone in my unit on the last day of basic training and singing “Proud to be an American.” I was so proud of myself and my unit at that moment.
How would you say your time in the US Air Force affected you? What did you learn about yourself?
My nearly 13 years in the Air Force truly taught me about the person I wanted to be. I discovered and learned true camaraderie and really enjoyed the structure and work ethic it provided.
Describe what it was like returning to civilian life.
I encourage anyone who works with prior enlisted service members to be understanding, as the transition to civilian life is very hard. Imagine every time you walk outside, being told to immediately put your hat on, being told what to wear or say, and then one day, everything you were taught is no longer valid.
Leaving the Air Force was an adjustment, but it was so nice being around family and friends again. I love that I’m still very connected to all my brothers and sisters in arms, and although I consider myself to be a very humble person, I secretly love it when people thank me for my service and I get to respond, “It was an honor to serve this great country.”
How would you say your service has influenced your career?
In many ways, I feel that my service led me to Community Bank. The core values we upheld in the Air Force around integrity, excellence, respect, teamwork, and service before self are all the same values we’re guided by and maintain every day at the bank. We work together to do the right thing, strive to do our best, and respect one another and the customers we serve.
Tell us about your involvement with local veterans groups in Buffalo. Which organizations do you support?
I joined WNY Heroes in Buffalo a few years ago and they also offer programs in the surrounding 14 counties. Through the organization, I’ve attended the WNY women’s retreat that offers support and programs for all local female veterans, as well as the Buffalo Gala for WNY Heroes that supports the Service Animals Program for Veterans and those in need of financial assistance.
Recently, I also joined the Concord Veterans Care Project in Springville, NY, that helps veterans transition into the civilian world.
Personally, is there anything you do to observe Veterans Day?
Each year, I always try to take the week off so my son and I can visit local cemeteries. We clean the headstones of veterans who have passed and place small flags by their headstones, as well. I’ll also take my family to any Western New York cemetery that organizes a ceremony to honor the fallen.
If you could describe your service experience in one word, what would it be?
Amazing.
"In our journey toward fostering our culture and diversity we recognize that it's not just about acknowledging differences—it's about actively embracing them. Just as a seed requires nurturing hands to grow, our commitment to inclusion requires a constant collective effort. It's about ensuring that every individual feels heard, seen, and valued. This mission extends beyond our office walls—it extends into the communities we serve. By embedding our diversity principles into both our financial practices and community engagement, we not only enrich our organizational culture but also empower the societies we touch." —President and CEO Dimitar Karaivanov
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