What's New at SBS: Growth, Momentum, and Milestones

Looking back on the past few months, we're highlighting the progress happening across SBS. From solution enhancements and team growth to community engagement, this period has been marked by strong momentum and meaningful milestones that reflect both where we are today and where we're headed next.

SBS Retreat Highlights

In February, SBS team members came together in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for our annual company meeting, themed "Mission Control: All Systems Go." The retreat focused on alignment, innovation, and preparing the organization for continued growth.

Key highlights included:

• Company‑wide team-building activities, including an AI challenge that encouraged creative thinking and practical application of emerging technology
• A keynote session from Brent Robertson on generative conversations, exploring how intentional communication can drive stronger outcomes across teams and client engagements
• A shared look at the road ahead, reinforcing SBS's mission and the systems — people, process, and technology — that keep us moving forward

In addition to these sessions, teams reflected on progress made across SBS solutions in 2025, including continued enhancements to the TRAC risk management solution that expanded support for governance, risk, and compliance efforts.

The retreat also reflected SBS's continued growth, including 18 new employees added in 2025 and a team presence across 25 states.

Recognizing Excellence

A highlight of the retreat was the opportunity to recognize individuals and partners whose contributions exemplify SBS values, performance, and longevity.

Sales Awards

• 2025 Rookie of the Year: John Helland
• Sales Excellence Award: Chris Damato
• Account Executive of the Year: Freddie Martin

Achievement Awards

• Friend of SBS Award: Boulay (Minneapolis, MN)
• Community Service Award: Sheryl Ryan
• SBS Super Star Award (AI Super Star): Ashley Williams
• CyberStar Award: Chandlar Rush (selected from 12 monthly CyberStars)

Service Milestones

• 1 year of service: Alex Driver, Becky Patterson, Bibhor Acharya, Cesar Valdes, Chad Koehlmoos, Jake Homan, James Squires, Kaci Martindale, Kaitlyn Ellis, Lexes Helland, Lindsey Hull, Lisa Brandt, Nathan Merrill, Niesha English, Rachel Carter, Richard Grantham, Will Freeman
• 5 years of service: Jovana Bogdanovic, Maarten Cappaert, Mariah Macklem, Mitch Myers
• 10 years of service: Bret Rock, Dylan Kreutzfeldt, Justin Curtner, Kevin Pulliam, Laura Zannucci, Zack Beermann

Together, these awards celebrate not just individual achievement but the culture of commitment, collaboration, and excellence that defines SBS.

Community, Collaboration, and Care

Community engagement remains a key part of the SBS culture, and the momentum built over the past year is carrying into 2026. Through Community Outreach Program initiatives such as Paws for a Cause, Pack the Classroom, the AI Coloring Book Contest, and our annual March Madness Bracket Challenge, SBS employees contributed 284 volunteer hours, used 44 hours of volunteer time off, donated $4,850, and helped raise an additional $3,177, supported by SBS.

We’ve already kicked off 2026 with the launch of the March Madness Bracket Challenge, setting the stage for continued community impact in the year ahead.

Leadership Update

SBS is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Lorence as Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications, effective February 1, 2026. This newly created role reflects SBS's continued growth and focus on brand awareness, strategic communication, and long‑term scalability.

Lorence previously served as SBS's fractional CMO, where he helped shape marketing strategy and laid the groundwork for this expanded leadership position. He brings deep experience in marketing, communications, and growth strategy, including leadership roles with the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA).

In this role, Lorence will focus on:

• Advancing SBS's brand awareness and market presence
• Strengthening strategic communications
• Supporting growth initiatives across the organization

This appointment represents both a people milestone and a strategic investment in SBS's future.

What’s Next at SBS

As SBS continues to grow, innovate, and give back, we're grateful for the people, partners, and clients who make this progress possible.

Follow SBS on LinkedIn to stay connected and keep up with what's next.