Cleveland-based Key has 38 branches in Utah and employs more than 300 people. Its market share is about 4 percent, but it ranks among the top five banks in the state.

That Taylor is female and young and a mother of three — she came off maternity leave to take the reins at Key — makes her stand out, according to Nancy Mitchell, executive director of the Women's Business Center at the Salt Lake Chamber.

"Breaking into financial services is very tough for women," Mitchell said. "I don't really know why that is. But I think (Taylor's appointment) is wonderful. It's a great sign, and it's even more interesting coming from a national corporation. I'd really like to say that it's the beginning of a tidal wave, but I don't think it is."

Taylor confirms that when she meets with her peers at other banks, or sometimes even in meetings at Key, there aren't many people there who look like her. Key has 23 district presidents. Two, including Taylor, are women.

"It is somewhat of a 'fish out of water' feeling," Taylor said. "But it's sort of thrilling, too. And I have a lot of peers out there that I can learn a lot from who have a different level of experiences."

Mitchell calls Taylor's appointment "groundbreaking," particularly in light of the fact that she is raising a young family.

"So often, the women who do make it to the top have no children," Mitchell said. More broadly, she said, "I'd hope that this will open other corporations' minds to the talent of women — that women do and can lead large organizations."

Wendy Holloway, senior vice president of the Utah Bankers Association, voiced optimism.

"I think it's the tip of the iceberg," Holloway said. "I think it's going to happen more and more. Sixty percent of bank employees are women. And there are some fabulous women in the upper ranks of banking, women who are moving up."

There are so many, in fact, that the UBA hosted a special conference last week on Women in Banking. Taylor served as a panelist, and Holloway said interest in the event was bigger than for any other conference in which the association participates.

"I think what has happened is that the industry has realized that there weren't a lot of women in those key positions, and they've made a turnaround in the last five years," Holloway said. "I think that there has been a glass ceiling in the industry. But I also believe that time has helped. Women have realized that they have the capability to move up, and bankers in general are realizing what a resource women are."

Studies abound about the differences between women and men in general, and between women and men in business, Holloway said.