Streamlining
OPERATIONS
New CIO of First Mutual Holding implements Lean Six Sigma at First Federal Lakewood. By Linda Feagler
Expediency. Efficiency. Excellence.
56 COMMUNITY LEADER | NOVEMBER 2021
principles are a driving force to meet those objectives. In order to remain competitive, Dockery explains, an organization must be continuously striving to improve in ways that increase innovation while lowering costs, streamlining processes and adapting new technology. LSS is not a new concept. It combines Lean and Six Sigma approaches to create an organized solution for process design. Lean is focused on minimization of waste, errors and delays. Six Sigma focuses on quality and consistency through process improvement and reducing variations. Combining both into LSS delivers customer value through efficient operations. Although applying Lean thinking to
ISTOCK
Kathy Dockery, SVP, chief information officer of First Mutual Holding Co. (FMHC) — the parent company of several mutual banks, including First Federal Lakewood — is excited about bringing Automation and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) to the organization. As leader of FMHC’s IT division, she’s in the process of developing a digital strategy that will streamline operating systems at First Federal Lakewood and FMHC’s other affiliate banks. Before joining FMHC in July, Dockery was a technology director at Fifth Third Bank. For two decades — prior to joining Fifth Third — she served in a variety
of technology roles at Key Bank, including spearheading the development of a Digital Business Automation Center of Excellence. Dockery received her bachelor’s degree in organizational development from Baldwin Wallace University, earned an associate degree in computer science from Cuyahoga Community College and completed the Women in Stem Leadership Program at Case Western Reserve University. “My focus is on delivering technology business solutions in partnership with key business units and affiliate banks to meet objectives, create agility and improve the employee and customer experience,” she says. Employing Automation and LSS
