In May 2025, Judy Milliard is celebrating her 40-year work anniversary at SBSI. From an impromptu conversation during a kitchen game of cribbage to a four-decade career, Judy’s journey with us is a testament to growth and community connection.
As the VP Information Services Manager & Operations Project Administrator, Judy has played a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s internal systems and operations — often behind the scenes, but always at the heart of our progress.
Her career has spanned everything from teller work to overseeing core systems and information services, consistently keeping customers and data security at the forefront.
Judy’s deep-rooted ties to the community she serves have been a constant source of pride and purpose. In a recent interview, Judy reflects on how she got her start, how her career has evolved and why SBSI continues to be a place she’s proud to call home.
What brought you to SBSI?
A good friend of mine was the daughter of Mel Wilbur, who was then the Branch Manager and Loan Officer for the Old Orchard Beach branch. One Friday evening, my friend and I were sitting in her kitchen playing cribbage when Mel came home and asked, “Do you girls know of anyone looking for a job? I really need to hire a teller.”
I was eight months into my hairdressing career and struggling to build a clientele in the salon I was working in, so I was immediately interested. I asked a few questions and told Mel I would be interested in the position. I went into the bank on Monday and filled out an application. On Tuesday, I got a call asking when I could start. I gave my two-week notice at the salon — and here I am, 40 years later.
How have you moved or advanced between departments/branches?
I worked as a teller in OOB for four years and absolutely loved it. In the spring of 1989, I moved to the Saco branch to help out on the teller line for the summer. That’s when a position as a computer operator opened, in what was then called the Data Processing Department. I was responsible for running the in-house mainframe computer system and handling check processing.
I’ve been involved in Core Systems Applications ever since — going from Operator to Data Processing Supervisor around 1996, to Assistant Vice President in 2003, and then Vice President in 2010 or 2011. As the bank and technology expanded, I oversaw Core Systems Operations, Item Processing, Information Services, Payment Operations and eventually transitioned to Information Services Manager and Core Systems Project Administration.
Why do you enjoy working at SBSI?
Technology, business processes and banking regulations are always changing, so there’s never an opportunity for boredom! It’s kind of like New England weather: wait five minutes and it’ll change.
Everything we do at SBSI is done with the customer in mind. Our sense of community is strong and we always strive to be the local bank of choice.
What’s been most meaningful for me over the years is the dedication of my team and coworkers at the Operations Center. They never stop working hard to ensure we’re delivering the best products and services to our customers while protecting their data. You may not see us, but rest assured there’s a great group of people behind the scenes keeping everything running smoothly.
Being a Saco native — growing up here, going to school here, raising my children here — I feel like I know most of the people who bank with SBSI. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to all those family members, friends and acquaintances who entrust us with their financial lives, and I take a lot of pride in doing what’s right for the customer.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I’m at the stage of life where when I do get a little free time, I really enjoy and crave the quiet moments. One of my favorite things is having my morning coffee on the sun porch, looking out over my backyard garden and bird sanctuary. It’s like stepping into a mini vacation right at the back of my house.
