On October 2–3, 2025, the Illinois Bankers Association hosted its 25th Annual Women in Banking Conference at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. This event brought together women from across the state to celebrate leadership, innovation, and empowerment in the banking industry. The conference featured inspiring keynote speakers, breakout sessions focused on professional development, and a heartfelt awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions by women in banking.

We’re proud to share that two INB team members were honored with prestigious awards during the event:

• Kelley Himmelberg received the Woman of Impact award, celebrating her influence, innovation, and dedication to shaping the future of banking.
• Samantha Patrick was named a Woman on the Rise Finalist, a recognition given to emerging leaders who are paving the way for future success in the banking world.

These awards are a testament to Samantha and Kelley’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and community impact. Their achievements reflect the values we hold dear at INB and inspire us all to continue striving for growth and meaningful change.

Kelley Himmelberg: Woman of Impact

Kelley Himmelberg exemplifies what it means to be a Woman of Impact—within INB, in our community, and across the banking industry. Over her 25-year tenure at INB, Kelley has played a pivotal role in shaping the culture and growth of the bank as our VP and Director of HR. Her institutional knowledge, leadership, and unwavering commitment have helped guide INB through periods of transformation and success. She’s not only witnessed the bank’s evolution—she’s been instrumental in it.

Kelley’s dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture is evident in the initiatives she champions. From implementing a recognition platform to organizing employee gatherings and identifying growth opportunities, she is constantly seeking ways to uplift morale and encourage professional development.

Beyond her professional contributions, Kelley has quietly guided colleagues through personal hardships, offering resources and compassion without seeking recognition. Her behind-the-scenes efforts have created a ripple effect of care and resilience throughout the organization.

Her impact extends far beyond INB. Kelley has been a dedicated volunteer with United Way and currently serves as a board member.

Samantha Patrick: Woman on the Rise

Samantha Patrick, AVP and Mortgage Operations Manager at INB, was honored with the Woman on the Rise award — a recognition reserved for emerging leaders under 40 who are making a significant impact in their industry and community.

Samantha’s journey with INB began when she was just 17 years old. Over the past two decades, she has grown alongside the bank, evolving from a young team member into a respected leader who now oversees an entire department. Her deep institutional knowledge and unwavering commitment to excellence have made her a cornerstone of INB’s mortgage operations.

She’s known for her ability to streamline complex processes, reduce wait times, and ensure a smooth experience for borrowers during one of life’s most emotional and significant purchases. Her leadership is grounded in empathy and precision, and she consistently goes above and beyond to support both her team and INB’s customers.

Samantha’s influence extends beyond the bank. She is a graduate of the Illinois Bankers Association’s Future Leaders Alliance, a 13-month program focused on leadership development, community service, and industry education. She also received the American Bankers Association’s Emerging Leaders Scholarship, which allowed her to advocate for Illinois bankers in Washington, D.C., engaging directly with congressional leaders on issues affecting the industry.

Learn More About the INB Team

We congratulate Samantha and Kelley on their well-deserved recognition and thank the Illinois Bankers Association for creating a space where women in banking can connect, learn, and lead.

Want to learn more about the people who make INB special?

Visit our Meet the Team page to explore more stories of impact, innovation, and community commitment.