STERLING, IL., June 8, 2023 – Sauk Valley Bank is pleased to announce that Chief Operating Officer, Paige Toms and Chief Financial Officer, Larissa Dale, have graduated from the American Bankers Association (ABA) Stonier Graduate School of Banking, in partnership with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
“We believe in investing in our employees’ development, providing training opportunities, and supporting career advancement to help them achieve their full potential,” said Dirk Meminger, President and CEO of Sauk Valley Bank. “The Stonier Graduate School offers the industry’s leading executive educational program, focusing on preparing its students for the decision-making and oversight required to navigate change. This leading-edge insight that Paige and Larissa have gained will help guide us as we continue to grow, creating more value for our organization. I congratulate Paige and Larissa on their graduation from this excellent program.”
The ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking continues to lead the way as the industry’s preeminent graduate banking program. Graduates receive both a Stonier Diploma and a Wharton Leadership Certificate.
Paige Toms, Chief Operating Officer, joined Sauk Valley Bank in 2012 and has had a variety of leadership roles within the organization. In her role as Chief Operating Officer, Toms plays a key role in the execution of the bank’s strategy, driving innovative products and services tailored to the bank’s customers and community, as well as the day-to-day operational functions of the business. She holds over 18 years of financial industry experience and is active in the community, serving on the board of The Sauk Valley Foodbank.
Larissa Dale, Chief Financial Officer, joined Sauk Valley Bank in 2013, filling various financial roles. In January of 2020, Dale was promoted to her current role as Chief Financial Officer and serves as a key member in driving critical financial process integration and is responsible for leading the organization’s accounting and financial reporting activities. She received her Bachelor of Business from Western Illinois University and a Master of Accounting and Financial Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management.
About ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking
Offered in partnership with the Wharton School, the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking trains the future leaders of the industry. To date, Stonier has educated more than 25,000 senior-level bankers and regulators. The program emphasizes strategic planning, financial management, leadership and provides a wide range of elective courses to enable students to meet developmental goals in a highly personalized fashion. All attendees are committed to taking their skills to the next level to advance their organization and their career. Graduates of the program receive a Stonier diploma as well as a Wharton leadership certificate.
About Sauk Valley Bank
Sauk Valley Bank is a locally owned community financial institution that provides the highest quality products and services, by offering solutions that fit various customer financial needs; including personal, commercial, and agricultural. For more information on Sauk Valley Bank, visit saukvalleybank.com. Sauk Valley Bank, Member FDIC.
For further information: Lili Santillan, lsantillan@saukvalleybank.com (815) 632-4604
