Self-Care. Whether you are launching your first ERG or you already manage several, there will be times when you face pushback and adversity. Be curious and invite those people into the conversation, but be aware of how that pushback may be impacting you and take time to take care of yourself. Engaging in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work can be emotionally draining, and you need to protect yourself from burnout. Best of luck in your employee resource group journey. I think you will quickly see an impact on your engagement and company culture that will trickle out to the community and the world around you. Steph Madison Vice President, Diversity and Engagement Manager First Merchants Bank, Muncie SMadison@FirstMerchants.com Steph is based in northwest Indiana but serves the bank’s entire footprint. She has worked in the financial services industry for nearly 20 years, including consumer banking and corporate social responsibility, using her skills as fuel for her passion to help others. IBA ‘HIGH FIVE’ AWARDS Congratulations to AyZha Hazelwood, who was honored with the Indiana Bankers Association High Five Award in May 2024. Hazelwood serves as the Association’s education meeting coordinator. The High Five Awards support professional development by inviting Association members and staff to submit names of IBA employees who perform outstanding acts of service. Nominations are read at monthly staff meetings, and a drawing determines the winner. To nominate an IBA employee for the High Five Award, call (317) 387-9380 or email HB@indiana.bank. TAKING IT EASY Jeff Cash is retiring from German American Bank, Jasper, after 15 years with the bank, ending as senior vice president, chief risk officer. David Eifler retired from Horizon Bank, Michigan City, on July 5. He spent 42 years in commercial banking, holding the title of market president of the bank’s southwest Michigan and north central Indiana region at the time of his retirement. Dan Hampton retired from Horizon Bank, Michigan City, in July as president of the bank’s Central Indiana region. Joni Lambert retired from Logansport Savings Bank on May 31. She spent 43 years in banking, 22 with Logansport Savings Bank, where she worked her way up from teller all the way to vice president of operations. Outside the bank, Lambert is a past president of the Cass County Family YMCA board of directors. JULY/AUGUST 2024 13
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