As one of the first female bank officers in the state of Nevada, Selma Bartlett has been instrumental in the tremendous growth of Henderson for almost 60 years. Bartlett moved to Southern Nevada in February 1954 when her husband was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. She earned a degree from Hill Business College in Oklahoma City in 1945 that quickly was put to use as she began her banking career in Henderson. Bartlett began working for the Bank of Nevada at its Henderson branch in 1954, shortly after it was established. In 1958, she made history by becoming one of the first female bank officers in Nevada. She made history again in 1962 when she was promoted to bank manager of the Henderson Bank of Nevada branch. Bank of Nevada later merged with First Interstate Bank, and Bartlett continued her service with First Interstate Bank for more than 40 years. Bartlett and First Interstate Bank promoted the growth of Henderson through a residential feasibility study that encouraged development in the area. She also was a friend of industry in Henderson, calling for titanium tariffs in the 1960s to help the local titanium producer, TIMET.

Bartlett has been instrumental in community, real estate, and educational development as well as promoting the growth of medical and professional facilities. Her personal and financial support in the medical professions and higher education has garnered her many prestigious accolades and awards. One of her proudest honors was the naming of the Selma F. Bartlett Elementary School in Henderson in 1992.

Bartlett is currently working in the capacity she enjoys most — private banker— with the Meadows Bank in Henderson.