2024 Monitor Top Women in Equipment Finance: Christy Bader, 1st Source Bank, Specialty Finance Group

by Monitor Staff Nov/Dec 2024
"If there is any advice that I could give the younger women — not only in banking, but in general — it is to be bold and fearless, and you will have a rewarding career, life and legacy."
Christy Bader
Specialty Finance Group Lender, Auto,
Truck & Specialty Vehicle Fleet Div,
1st Source Bank, Spec Fin Group

Though Christy Bader was introduced to the equipment finance industry in 2018, she joined 1st Source Bank years prior, in 2010. Through her tenure with the bank, Bader held positions of increasing responsibility in the functions of loan workouts, credit and sales, both as an individual contributor and in management roles.

Today, Bader is involved in several projects and initiatives that drive the success of 1st Source Bank’s Specialty Finance Group. She manages the West Coast portfolio for the Vehicle Fleet Finance Division. An important aspect of Bader’s job includes understanding the auto rental and commercial leasing industry, which is ever changing. Bader finds her role to be very rewarding, as she can work with small and large operators and open opportunities that benefit them and their businesses.

Always eager to take on a new challenge and to learn new things, this specialty finance lender breaks down barriers and increases efficiency through collaboration, communication and problem solving. Bader was instrumental in launching 1st Source Bank’s customer relationship management system, which stretched across multiple lines of business, with her group having the bulk of the volume. In her credit role, Bader helped grow the portfolio by managing risk and supporting the sales team during the pandemic, ultimately contributing to increased demand post-pandemic.

“Christy Bader’s progressive experience in sales, credit and risk management continues to be an invaluable asset to her clients navigating the future of the equipment finance industry post-pandemic,” Kirk Browning, president of the Auto and Truck Fleet Financing divisions at 1st Source, says. “Her faith and commitment were evident, as she worked tirelessly for months, often late at night and on weekends, to ensure all of her eligible clients received PPP funds (round one and two) and the subsequent forgiveness that enabled continuous operations.”

Bader played a pivotal role in 1st Source Bank’s commercial banking development program, which she says has been the most rewarding aspect of her career to date. Being involved in the program meant supporting the growth of next generation leaders. She had the privilege of mentoring current and past employees as they transitioned out of college and into the banking world. She recognizes the importance of mentoring young women in the industry and is extremely proud of the women she has mentored. “Known for her quiet confidence and ‘straight talk and sound advice,’ Christy is a trusted
advisor and a fearless advocate for her customer base,” Browning says. “Christy’s career success and patient leadership has also been instrumental in attracting and developing the next generation of leaders to 1st Source Bank.”

Bader is also committed to giving back to her community. She is board president of the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County and dedicates time to helping the center provide valuable resources to an underserved community in St. Joseph County. This role has put into perspective for Bader not only how fortunate she is, but how much value she can add to her community with her banking and credit background. Bader encourages others to think about how they, too, can give back to their communities and get more involved with the skills and resources they already possess.

Bader says she feels fortunate to have had remarkable mentors throughout her career who have taught her the value of collaborative leadership. The executive team at 1st Source has been supportive in more ways than she could imagine and has opened many doors for her as she continues to navigate the banking world. •

 

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