In August 2025, Assistant Vice President and Retail Loan Underwriting Manager Heather Forgea is celebrating her 10 year work anniversary at SBSI!
From her first role in mortgage processing to her current position, Heather’s path has been shaped by curiosity, dedication and a genuine passion for helping others succeed. Her journey has taken her through key areas of lending operations, allowing her to build a well-rounded perspective and contribute in increasingly meaningful ways.
In a recent interview, Heather shared what first brought her to SBSI, how her career has evolved and what keeps her grounded both on and off the clock.
What brought you to SBSI?
I was drawn to SBSI by a sense of purpose and the incredible people. From the beginning, it felt like a place where I could contribute in a meaningful way and be part of something I genuinely believe in. What’s kept me here is the strong sense of teamwork and the relationships I’ve built along the way. It’s been a truly fulfilling experience.
How have you moved or advanced between departments/branches?
My journey here began in mortgage processing, where I gained a clear understanding of the full workflow. That role sharpened my attention to detail and problem-solving skills. From there, I moved into underwriting, where I shifted my focus to assessing risk and making informed decisions.
When the opportunity to become a supervisor came up, I was excited to take it on. This year, I was promoted to AVP, Retail Loan Underwriting Manager. Overall, it’s been really rewarding to support the team and continue growing in my career.
Why do you enjoy working at SBSI?
I enjoy working at SBSI because of the people. I’m lucky to work with a team that’s not only dedicated, but also genuinely supportive. It creates a positive environment where it’s easy to stay motivated and enjoy day-to-day life, even when things get busy.
That sense of camaraderie is what makes a big difference, and that kind of teamwork is what makes SBSI feel special to me.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. In the spring, summer, and fall, we go camping whenever we can — it's our favorite way to unwind and reconnect with nature.
When winter rolls around, we shift gears and enjoy ice fishing, sledding and skating. Every season brings something new for us to do together, and doing so helps us slow down and appreciate the little things.
