Emily Girsch Named to the Most Powerful Women in Banking: NEXT List

Waterloo, IA –

Emily Girsch, Lincoln Savings Bank Chief Financial Officer (CFO), is one of fifteen women across the United States who has been chosen as a part of American Banker’s The Most Powerful Women in Banking: Next. This honored group of women has been recognized for standing out in a male-dominated field and representing the ongoing impact female leadership is making within the financial sector. 

“ This award is a great honor.  I’m extremely humbled to be recognized on a national level like this.  I also feel like they must’ve made a mistake.  I don’t think of myself as award-winning.  I’m just doing the best I can and surrounding myself with great people.   I greatly appreciate the faith my coworkers and directors have in me,” Girsch shared.

Emily was nominated for this award by both Erik Skovgard, Lincoln Savings Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Cathy Schuler, Lincoln Savings Bank Human Resources Manager.

“In early 2018, we found ourselves in need of more capital due to our substantial loan growth.  To resolve the issue, the Bancorp decided to raise capital with a private common stock offering.  Emily Girsch took the lead on the offering which ended with more success than we could have envisioned. Because of Emily’s efforts, the Bancorp was able to raise a total of $30 million in capital from 90 investors and two institutional investors.  This capital raise set the stage for Lincoln Savings Bank to continue to prosper and grow well into the future,” Schuler shared.

From the top-down, Emily has made her presence known and appreciated at Lincoln Savings Bank. After working alongside Steve Tscherter, former Lincoln Savings Bank CEO, Emily said she gained a number of valuable insights and lessons that helped her become the formidable professional she is today.

“While I was a young CFO, yet still in my twenties, he never backed down from his expectations for me.  He was the antithesis of a micromanager causing me to figure out most everything on my own but was extremely patient as I did so.  He had a habit of being brutally honest. While some of it was hard to hear at the time, it made me a stronger and better manager for my team.  He also taught me, without saying a word, that family was more important than work,” Girsch elaborated.

Lincoln Savings Bank’s current President and CEO, Erik Skovgard, has been taking the company into a new direction by branching out into the Des Moines market and working with Emily to partner with new fintech companies for additional product offerings.

“Lincoln Savings Bank strikes a balance between traditional banking and technological innovation, ensuring the bank is a full partner in its relationships with Square, Acorns, MoneyLion, Qapital and others. In less than five years, Lincoln Savings Bank has added 1.5 million customers through these fintech partnerships. Emily played a significant role in building this unique portfolio. She finds ways to say yes when others might say no. While fulfilling her regular duties, she also negotiated the addition of each of these new clients, drafting business agreements in still largely uncharted banking territory. She has continued to lead and advocate for safe, compliant fintech ventures, making herself integral to the bank’s continued and unprecedented growth,” commented Skovgard.

Before Emily joined Lincoln Savings Bank in 2002, she attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA to obtain her Masters in Business Administration. Upon graduation she began her career as an auditor-in-charge for McGladrey & Pullen, LLP specializing in financial institutions. Her prior experience in finance has greatly influenced her knowledge base within the financial industry.   

“ We are so blessed to have Emily on our team.  She is extremely smart and one of the hardest working people I have ever met.  She has perfected the balance of valuing rules and doing things the right way, while also being open to new ideas, entrepreneurial endeavors, and creative thinking. She challenges everyone on her team and the overall Lincoln Savings Bank team to be their best.  In addition to being a strong leader at Lincoln Savings Bank, Emily sets a great example of a balanced life.  She has served on multiple non-profit boards and is one of our most active volunteers.  Lastly, Emily is a role model who demonstrates a woman can be a strong powerful leader, give back to her community, and have a beautiful young family,” Skovgard stated.

Lincoln Savings Bank is proud to see Emily recognized nationally for the work she does for this growing company. Day in and day out Emily leads by example and showcases what it means to truly be an active community member and dedicated corporate executive.

About Lincoln Savings Bank:

Founded in 1902, Lincoln Savings Bank has been headquartered in Reinbeck, Iowa since 1934.  Now with 16 locations, Lincoln Savings Bank has expanded to offer a variety of banking and financial services to its loyal customers. Member FDIC.