Stephanie Hickman

Senior Vice President of People Experience, Stephanie Hickman navigates the balance between meeting our workforce’s diverse needs and aligning with the company’s strategic goals. By fostering a positive and inclusive culture, adapting to evolving expectations and staying ahead of industry trends, she helps her team attract and retain top talent while driving a people-first and purpose-driven organization. 

Throughout Stephanie’s 20+ years of industry experience, she has shown exceptional leadership qualities and has held a variety of roles at The Federal Savings Bank. Prior to joining the bank, she was a licensed real estate agent at Prudential Preferred. Stephanie attended Northern Illinois University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Journalism and Public Relations and then pursued education in Human Resources at Villanova University.  

Committed to community service, Stephanie serves on the board of Camp Jorn YMCA, a non-profit summer camp. She also guides and mentors first-generation high school students and their families on their journey to higher education at Waukegan to College. She is a member of both the Chicago Society of Human Resources Chapter and the American Banking Association (ABA) Human Resources Policy Working Group and is a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) of the Society for Human Resource Management. In 2018, she was named one of Mortgage Banking’s Most Powerful Women by National Mortgage Professional Magazine.  

Stephanie is extremely enthusiastic about creating workplaces where employees thrive and grow. With vast real estate and leadership experience, she has had the privilege of leading teams and initiatives that prioritize employee engagement and well-being. Her career has allowed her to champion an inclusive and positive work culture, drive organizational development and enhance talent management. Stephanie genuinely believes that when people are at the core of an organization’s success, the possibilities are limitless.   

Outside of her career, Stephanie enjoys life in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin with her husband, their son and two beloved dogs. An avid reader and outdoor enthusiast, she cherishes her time spent in nature and with literature.