Ward: Making the Bank a Great Place to Work
Alissa Ward works behind the scenes to help make Iowa State Bank & Trust a place where employees feel supported, engaged and excited to come to work every day in her role as senior vice president, director of HR & marketing. She says she would love to become an expert in horticulture so she could grow the garden she’s always dreamed of. Ward has loved reading for as long as she can remember and enjoys getting lost in a good novel with a cup of coffee by the fireplace or on the beach. Outside of work, she spends much of her time cheering on her daughters at softball, volleyball and basketball games, and whenever she can, she enjoys getting on the golf course.
What’s something ABOUT YOUR ROLE PEOPLE MIGHT NOT EXPECT?
People always think that HR is boring, but it is actually very fun and rewarding! My focus every day is to make Iowa State Bank & Trust the best place to work and ensure that our team is excited to come to work every day.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was, “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.” To me, that means finding a role that aligns with your strengths, personality, and passions. When you’re in a position that is the right fit, your work feels meaningful, energizing, and rewarding rather than draining, making it easier to bring your best self to work each day.
If you could instantly become an expert in one thing, what would it be?
Horticulture. I love plants and want them around me all the time. I would love to have a massive garden! However, I do not have a green thumb and struggle to keep even the most easy to care for plants alive.
what’s an interesting or lesser-known fact about you?
I am an avid reader and love to escape into a good novel as often as possible. A cup of coffee and a book in front of the fireplace or on the beach is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon.
What do you do outside of work to recharge?
When I am not on the ball field or court watching my daughters play softball, volleyball or basketball, I enjoy getting out on the golf course as much as possible. I have been golfing since I was four years old and it is the other thing I love to do besides reading!