frequent trading but rather represent deliberate actions to keep the portfolio aligned with broader balance sheet objectives as the rate environment changes. A More Balanced Approach For community banks, it is key not to abandon a buy-and-hold approach but to layer in a more flexible strategy. Maintaining a core portfolio of long-term holdings while selectively repositioning at the margins preserves stability and positions institutions to respond as conditions change. The goal is simply to consider which securities no longer align with strategic goals and identify where modest adjustments to the portfolio can pay dividends. In this new era where interest rates and funding dynamics can change dramatically in a matter of months, prudent portfolio management requires considering occasional strategic adjustments, not through frequent trading but through thoughtful, deliberate actions that keep the investment portfolio optimized even as conditions change. Andrea F. Pringle Financial Strategist & MBS Analyst The Baker Group Andrea is a financial strategist and MBS analyst at The Baker Group. She began her career in Washington, D.C., working on the capital markets sales & trading desk at Fannie Mae for five years before returning to Oklahoma to work in corporate finance. Today, her work focuses on mortgage products. The Baker Group is a Preferred Service Provider of the Indiana Bankers Association and an IBA Diamond Associate Member. HONORABLE MENTIONS Lawson Tyson Lawson, financial advisor with Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company, Jasper, now holds his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, which allow him to serve as an investment adviser representative with Cetera Investment Services. He also maintains his Indiana Life and Health License. Lawson serves on the French Lick Revolving Loan Fund Board, the Orange County Service Council Board and serves as secretary for his church board. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Piotrowski Beals Nacht Shelley Horizon Bank, Michigan City, honored four of its bankers for their community service. Dee Piotrowski, vice president, senior technical project manager, was honored for her ongoing commitment to serving both inside the bank and throughout the community. She lent her time and energy to countless causes including Run for Hope for suicide awareness, SAG stops for the Tour de La Porte and the Dragonboat Races supporting Dunebrook. Jessica Beals, Treasury management officer, was honored for her tireless involvement in the Gaylord community since 2022. She frequently works behind the scenes creating meaningful experiences that showcase her commitment, creativity and love for the community. Pleya Nacht, assistant vice president, branch manager, was honored for her dedication to Munster where she has volunteered, raised funds, chaired events and championed causes close to her heart, including Heroes Helping Heroes and the Merrillville Civitan Club. Josh Shelley, vice president, district manager, supports local businesses through chambers of commerce in Columbus and Franklin. He also serves seniors through his involvement with Mill Race and volunteers at Habitat for Humanity build sites. Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company’s new website won the Financial Services Standard of Excellence Award in the Web Marketing Association’s 2025 WebAwards. The nomination was submitted by the bank’s website development partner, WSI, and evaluated by an international panel of digital marketing and website design experts. Each site in the competition is judged on key criteria including content, design, ease of use, innovation, interactivity, technology and alignment with customer needs. The WSI affiliate the bank partnered with on this project is run by Eric Cook, the faculty member who runs IBA’s Marketing Directors Forum. November/December 2025 47
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