As Senior Vice President and Equipment Finance Operations Manager at Trustmark, Sara Higby combines two decades of industry expertise with a people-first approach to build strong teams and deliver operational excellence.
At Trustmark, Higby has established a reputation as a leader known for her integrity, vision and ability to build and inspire high-performing teams. Her career reflects not only hard work but also a deep-rooted commitment to leading with honesty, transparency and patience.
Higby had an unexpected start in the equipment finance industry in 2004 when a former employer recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in the field. Starting as a Documentation Specialist, she quickly discovered a love for the work — not only for the work itself, but for the collaborative culture it fostered. That initial spark became the foundation of a long-term commitment to the industry.
Among Higby’s proudest professional achievements is being selected to help build and expand the Equipment Finance team at Trustmark. Tasked with launching and leading the EF Operations group, she seized the opportunity to create something from the ground up. She currently leads a successful team and takes immense pride in mentoring others — many of whom have chosen to follow her to new opportunities.
Jason Center, Senior Vice President and Head of Originations at Trustmark, speaks to Higby’s leadership skills, noting, “Sara is an outstanding leader and leads by example, delegates with skill and keeps her team running smoothly. Her attention to detail and deep knowledge of complex back-office issues set her apart, and her clear communication earns the trust of both customers and partners.”
Higby describes her current role as the realization of a long-held goal: managing an operations group within the equipment finance space. It’s a responsibility she appreciates and embraces and one that continues to grow and evolve.
Outside of work, Higby is equally proud of her role as a devoted wife and mother of two. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and her downtime is often spent on the sidelines of soccer, football, basketball or volleyball games — sometimes coaching, always cheering.
Higby prioritizes balancing a rewarding career with a vibrant family life, which isn’t always easy, but always gratifying. The legacy she hopes to leave behind is a workplace culture built on trust, empowerment and mutual respect. Her advice to younger professionals captures her approach, which is to understand the ‘why’ behind any task. She says, “It is essential for growth and success. Never hesitate to seek understanding — curiosity leads to stronger skills, better decisions and greater impact. The more you ask, the more you learn and thrive.”
“Understand the ‘why’ behind any task. It is essential for growth and success. Never hesitate to seek understanding — curiosity leads to stronger skills, better decisions and greater impact. The more you ask, the more you learn and thrive.”
– Sara Higby
