Nominations are now closed. Get notified when they open for 2026 👇
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ELEVATING EXCELLENCE
Honoring The Game-Changers Who Drive Banking Forward
RISING STAR IN BANKING™ AWARD
The Rising Star in Banking Award is crafted to spotlight the banking industry’s most promising young professionals. This accolade is reserved for individuals under the age of 40 who have shown remarkable contributions not only to their institutions and the banking sector at large, but also to their communities. It is an opportunity to celebrate the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
Award Structure:
- Finalists: The award will recognize 3 outstanding finalists.
- Winner: One exemplary individual will be crowned the overall winner.
Nomination Components:
- Personal and Professional Information: Include full name, contact details, current position, and employer.
- Professional Biography: Submit a concise biography, underscoring key career milestones and achievements.
Nominating Essay (850 words maximum): The nominating party (could be an executive, supervisor, peer, or even a self-nomination) will submit an essay that demonstrates why they deserve to win the award. Include such topics as:
- Leadership and Innovation: Describe the nominee’s leadership and innovative contributions.
- Impact on Institution: Detail the nominee’s positive effects on their institution’s growth and success.
- Community Involvement: Highlight the nominee’s community service efforts and leadership roles.
- Industry Contribution: Provide evidence of the nominee’s industry involvement, including associations, speaking engagements, and publications.
- Future Vision: Offer insights into the nominee’s vision for banking’s future and how they plan to contribute to it.
The nominating party may also submit:
- Letters of Recommendation: Insights into the nominee’s character and achievements from peers or leaders.
- Professional Achievements: Relevant awards, certifications, or degrees.
- Community Service Documentation: Evidence of community involvement.
2025 RISING STAR IN BANKING AWARDEES
Winner - Abby Whewell, Farmers State Bank
Finalist - Kevin Laudermilk, First Bank
Finalist - Megan Pippitt, Security Bank
The 2025 Nominations Are Now Closed
Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to recognizing excellence in community banking.
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We look forward to celebrating more breakthrough banking stories with you next year.
Banky™ and The Banky Awards™ are trademarks of The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™ and Leadership Avenue Press. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
“The Banky Awards™ recognize extraordinary performance in community banking. Participation does not constitute endorsement or guarantee of financial performance.”
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