Calissa Brownell, CAFP
Calissa Brownell, CAFP, is a seasoned financial crimes professional specializing in anti-money laundering (AML), fraud detection, and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance. With more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry, she has earned a reputation as a meticulous investigator who leverages data analytics, account analysis, and investigative research to identify suspicious activity and mitigate financial crime risk.
She currently serves as a Senior BSA Analyst at Bank First, where she leads the identification, analysis, and reporting of complex financial anomalies while upholding rigorous regulatory compliance standards. Her ability to connect disparate data points and uncover the underlying drivers of suspicious activity reflects both analytical precision and investigative insight.
Calissa began her career in entry-level banking roles, where she quickly discovered a passion for fraud detection and investigative work. She has since advanced through progressively responsible positions across the financial sector, including Digital Payment Fraud Analyst, Compliance Officer, and Detection & Investigation Analyst Lead. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise spanning operational execution, risk assessment, and investigative leadership.
Her professional philosophy centers on continuous learning, clear communication, and a disciplined approach to understanding the “why” behind financial crime patterns. She holds the Certified AML and Fraud Professional (CAFP) designation through the American Bankers Association, further solidifying her expertise in financial crime prevention.
Calissa studied Business Administration and Management at Northcentral Technical College and Nicolet College and plans to complete a degree in Criminal Justice in pursuit of her long-term goal of serving as a financial investigator with the FBI.
Beyond her professional achievements, she actively volunteers with community organizations, reflecting her commitment to service and meaningful impact both within her industry and her community.
• CAFP
• Northcentral Technical College - AAS
• American Bankers Association
• New Hope Housing
• Neighbors Place
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my first employer, who not only gave me the opportunity to prove myself but also served as an invaluable mentor. The lessons I learned under her guidance continue to shape my career, and I remain deeply grateful for the chance she gave me — without it, I would not have achieved the growth and progress I have today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to treat every opportunity as a chance for growth. By observing how others approach their work, adopting strategies that resonate, and consistently applying what I learn, I can continuously improve my skills and expand my capabilities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to prioritize growth and development. The more you invest in learning about your role and understanding yourself, the more you will grow both professionally and personally. Embrace every opportunity to challenge yourself and expand your skills — it will accelerate your career and your personal development.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that banks often hire less-experienced, lower-cost candidates for investigative roles, which can place additional demands on workloads. On the other hand, this presents a unique opportunity: by training and mentoring these new investigators, we can shape them to meet the specific needs of the business and help them develop into highly capable professionals.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are growth, communication, and consistency. I strive to continuously develop my skills, maintain open and clear communication, and apply consistent effort in everything I do.
Locations
Bank First
De Pere, WI 54115