Her Story
About Meghann
Meghann Chastain serves as an Anti-Money Laundering Officer at 5Star Bank in Colorado Springs, Colorado, bringing nearly a decade of banking experience along with more than 15 years of leadership experience across financial services and retail management. She began her banking career as a teller and steadily advanced into financial compliance, supporting the BSA function before taking on greater responsibility in Anti-Money Laundering operations. In her current role, Meghann specializes in AML investigations, KYC processes, BSA compliance, regulatory oversight, and risk mitigation, helping protect the integrity of the financial system while ensuring adherence to industry standards.
Before transitioning back into banking, Meghann spent nearly a decade in retail management with organizations including Wilsons Leather, Things Remembered, and the optical industry, where she developed strong leadership, team-building, operational, and customer service skills. She also gained early experience in financial services through her work in a credit card center. Meghann earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Colorado Technical University in June 2025 after returning to school later in life and is currently pursuing her MBA, with plans to complete her graduate studies in October 2026. Her commitment to lifelong learning reflects her determination to continue growing both personally and professionally.
Meghann credits her success to perseverance, self-motivation, and the desire to inspire her children by demonstrating the importance of setting goals and pursuing dreams regardless of the path taken. She values family, balance, and meaningful connections, appreciating a workplace culture that supports flexibility and allows her to be present for important moments outside of work. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Meghann enjoys spending quality time with her children, especially attending their sports events and celebrating their achievements. She also enjoys reading, baking, and giving back to her community through volunteer efforts, including serving as a PTA yearbook chair and supporting the Christmas Unlimited toy drive. Guided by integrity, resilience, and compassion, Meghann encourages young women entering the industry to recognize their value, advocate for themselves, and continue moving forward with confidence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Meghann
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, determination, and the commitment to continuously challenge myself and grow. My journey has not followed a traditional path, as I began my college education later in life and initially focused on building my career and gaining real-world experience. Over time, I realized that earning my degree was an important step toward advancing professionally, expanding my opportunities, and becoming the best version of myself. Returning to school required discipline, dedication, and the belief that it was never too late to pursue my goals. A major source of my motivation has been my children, as I wanted to show them that dreams do not have an expiration date and that with hard work, resilience, and commitment, anything is achievable. Completing my education was not only a personal accomplishment but also an opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate the importance of lifelong learning, growth, and believing in yourself. I continue to push myself forward with the goal of creating a better future for my family and inspiring my children to pursue their own dreams.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to keep going, never stop, and never limit myself. Throughout my career and personal journey, I have learned the importance of continuing to push forward, embracing challenges, and believing in my ability to grow. There have been moments when taking the next step felt difficult, but staying committed to my goals has allowed me to achieve things I once thought were out of reach. I have learned that growth comes from perseverance, being open to opportunities, and having the confidence to pursue what is possible. This advice has reminded me to continue challenging myself, expand my capabilities, and never let circumstances define my potential.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to know your worth and never settle for less than you deserve. Believe in your abilities, advocate for yourself, and recognize the value you bring to your organization and your profession. Continue learning, seek opportunities for growth, and do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Your career path may not always look exactly as planned, but with confidence, perseverance, and determination, you can create opportunities and achieve your goals.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the transition from manual processes to more automated and technology-driven solutions, particularly within smaller banking institutions. While manual processes have been effective, they can create challenges related to efficiency, scalability, and streamlining compliance operations. However, I see this as a significant opportunity for growth and improvement as the industry continues to embrace innovation. At 5Star Bank, we are preparing to implement a new core system along with an updated BSA/AML monitoring system, which will enhance our ability to improve processes, increase efficiency, and strengthen compliance oversight. These advancements will allow us to better serve our customers while continuing to uphold the highest standards of regulatory integrity.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, balance, integrity, and compassion. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance allows me to be successful professionally while also being present for the people who matter most to me. I am grateful to work for an organization like 5Star Bank that truly values family and understands that employees have responsibilities and priorities outside of work. The flexibility to work remotely and the support provided during family emergencies demonstrate a culture that recognizes the importance of balance and well-being. I believe that when employees feel valued and supported, they are able to bring their best selves to their work, contribute more effectively, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
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