50 MARCH / APRIL 2022 IBA BoardReview Jacqueline M. Ruge-Perkins North Region Director Indiana Bankers Association President & CEO First State Bank of Porter HB Digital: Click to view a biography of Jackie Ruge-Perkins, or visit indiana.bank/about. Jackie Ruge-Perkins, president and CEO of First State Bank of Porter, serves on the Indiana Bankers Association Board of Directors. She shares insights about her life and career. What was your first job? “My first job was as a kennel girl at a veterinary clinic. I was 15. “I rode my bike to work, and on weekends the animals were dependent on me for feeding, cleaning and reporting issues. It was a humbling job that taught me responsibility, compassion and how to overcome fears.” Who has inspired you? “Two strong women influenced me. My grandmother on my dad’s side was a banking pioneer. When my grandfather, who was a majority shareholder, died in 1967, she took on the challenge of owning/operating a bank in the once male-dominated industry. She served as Porter Bank’s EVP until she passed in 2002. “My mother is the strongest person I know. She is in constant motion, even at age 80. She started her own catering business, supporting our family for 20+ years. She volunteers for organizations, has served on boards and executive committees, and played softball until she was 60.” What drew you to banking? “My grandmother encouraged me to work at the bank. I held nearly every position, including cleaning the basement for document archiving. “I came to enjoy the work more and more. After college, I completed the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin (GSB) program, which solidified my future.” What advice do you have for those starting careers in banking? “Working at a community bank means that no two days are the same, and most employees wear many hats. This makes it interesting and challenging.” What do you do for fun when not working? “My fun time involves family and the outdoors. I enjoy landscaping on evenings and weekends. I also enjoy our lake house where we kayak, swim, fish, boat or just lounge on the dock. Members of the Perkins family gather at the wedding of a family friend. Shown from left are Mike, Taylor, Nate, Jackie and Carley. “I can be found nearly every Sunday at my mother’s for a family potluck dinner. I also spend time volunteering for organizations.” If you weren’t a banker, what would you be? “I would likely be a math teacher, which was my original plan. As I have gotten older, I have thought that owning my own business would be fun, too.” What career accomplishments are you most proud of? “I am most proud of being appointed to the bank’s board at age 27. That made me realize that my uncle (the bank president) and grandmother had confidence in me. “I am also proud of completing the GSB program in 2000. I did it with a 3-year-old son, and the second year I was pregnant with my daughter. I also am proud of serving on the IBA board.” Please share a bit about family/home life. “I have been married for 30 years to Mike – my ‘Mr. Fix-It,’ Harley-riding, dog-whisperer car aficionado. We have two children. “Our son Nate recently got married to Taylor. He’s a graduate of Purdue University (Boiler Up!), a gamer and has the sweetest disposition. “Our daughter Carley is enrolled at Purdue (Boiler Up again!) in architecture/interior design. She loves kids and critters, is an awesome left-footed soccer player, and is my go-to for fashion, food and social media advice. “I have seven siblings, and we are all very close. I grew up in and remain in Porter, a quaint, small town near Lake Michigan.” HB
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