Sarah Phalen, INB President and CEO, was among six women recently recognized by the Illinois Bankers Association with a “Women of Impact Award.” What follows is the nomination form submitted by a group of Sarah’s female colleagues.
Sarah Phalen is a deserving recipient for the Women of Impact Award.
Sarah began her career at the original Illinois National Bank as a personal banker. The bank was later purchased by a national chain. She, like many of her colleagues, missed the personal touch they were able to provide with community banking. So, when given the opportunity to help establish a new version of INB, Sarah joined the founding team in 1999, managing retail branches, residential mortgage, and marketing before becoming President and CEO in 2011.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sarah is involved in the community, serving on the SIU Healthcare Board of Directors, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, and as Chair of the Vision for Hope Foundation. She is treasurer for both the Lincoln Presidential Foundation and Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance.
Sarah's leadership both inside and out of the bank is characterized by her ability to inspire and mentor the people she works with. She is the perfect example of a woman who can be both a strong leader and likeable co-worker in most any situation.
Jamie Singer, Vice President, Deposit operations, joined the original INB team in 1999 and worked closely with Sarah. Jamie notes: "Sarah's unwavering support has been instrumental in my professional and personal growth. She values family, supports her employees in balancing work and family responsibilities, and fosters a high morale and loyalty within the team." Jamie says Sarah’s connects with each employee, thanks to her inclusive approach.
Cayla Keyes, VP, Retail Sales Manager, another mentee, describes Sarah as "an inspirational figure and mentor" who has profoundly impacted her professional journey. "Sarah's emphasis on continuing education and her encouragement to pursue further learning opportunities have greatly enhanced my skills and knowledge," Cayla shares, highlighting Sarah's commitment to fostering a culture of continuous growth and development.
Amy Barnes, VP, Wealth, further attests to Sarah's exceptional leadership, stating, "Sarah is a fearless leader who inspires respect with her determination and compassion. She remains approachable and connected to her team, personally meeting every new hire to ensure cultural alignment."
Amy describes Sarah as a visionary disruptor in the industry, challenging norms and pioneering innovative strategies, pushing her team to new heights. “Sarah’s leadership style is a blend of strength, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She has been a mentor to many, particularly women in the industry, encouraging them to strive for greatness and break through traditional barriers.”
Sarah’s dedication to personal and professional development has shaped the culture of INB and driven its success. She holds an MBA from the University of Illinois Springfield and a BA in economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
We strongly recommend Sarah Phalen for the IBA Women of Impact award. Her dedication to both her profession and community makes her a fitting candidate.