At ICBB, we’ve dubbed March Women in Banking month. To celebrate, we’re sharing the stories of some of the women who lead at ICBB. This week, we’re profiling the women in our operations department: Deposit Operations Manager Mallory Pierce, and Customer Experience Manager Chasity Bruce.

Mallory Pierce

Deposit Operations Manager

How did you begin your banking career?

I had just finished college and was working as a waitress when someone I know that works here said that there was an opening and I applied for the Customer Service position. Almost 9 years later I am still here.

What were some pivotal moments in your career that shaped your leadership path?

One of the pivotal moments in my career that help shape my leadership path was moving into Finance. When I moved into Finance I had to start from the beginning and create a flow that worked for the department and it taught me a lot about reconciling accounts and the opposite side of deposit operations.

Who were the mentors or influences that helped shape your career?

When I began in Customer Service my mentors were Becky Sisco and Carol Brewer. When I transferred in Finance my mentors were Eli Barber and Derek Hetherington.

What is something about your career journey that might surprise people?

I have a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology.

What unique strengths do women bring to leadership in community banks?

I believe that Empathy and Adaptability are unique strengths that women bring to leadership in community banking.

What skills do you think are most important for emerging leaders in community banks?

Skills that I believe are most important for emerging leaders are Communication, Adaptability, and Decision Making for Community Banking.

What advice would you give to young women who want to have successful careers in community banking?

Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. If there is something you want to learn or do never be afraid to ask.

Chasity Bruce

Customer Experience Manager

How did you begin your banking career?

I started my career in 2016 when I became a Wire Operator here at ICBB.

What were some pivotal moments in your career that shaped your leadership path?

A pivotal moment for me was an unexpected opportunity. ICBB elected me as an Emerging Leader with the KBA in 2023. This opportunity allowed me to see that my hard work was recognized. This meant so much too since I had no prior college background. This showed me that you really can achieve anything if you commit to it.

Who were the mentors or influences that helped shape your career?

I had great mentors that helped me develop as a professional and banker. Becky Sisco, Todd Beers, Zac Bodenheimer and Carol Brewer all contributed to my success here at ICBB. Each one of them took me under their wing and showed real care for my overall success.

What is something about your career journey that might surprise people?

I have no degree. I was not afforded the opportunity as a young adult. I started my banking career at ICBB, after being a waitress at a local family-owned restaurant here in Frankfort, KY.

What unique strengths do women bring to leadership in community banks?

I’ve seen repeatedly that women can lead with compassion without letting emotions take the wheel. It’s not about being soft – It’s about being human and staying focused on what needs to be done. That balance makes teams stronger, and it fits right alongside the strengths leaders of every kind bring to the table.

What skills do you think are most important for emerging leaders in community banks?

Willingness to learn even outside of your scope will show leadership that you have a drive for knowledge and success.

What advice would you give to young women who want to have successful careers in community banking?

Never doubt what you can achieve just because you are missing experience or a degree. Your drive, willingness to learn, and ability to seek out knowledge – Yes, even with the help of Google – can take you farther than you imagine.