North Salem, Indiana – October 30, 2025 – Ashley Ahrens, SVP Retail Operations of The North Salem State Bank (NSSB), has been awarded the 2025 Indiana Bankers Association (IBA) Woman on the Rise award, sponsored by Amundsen Davis LLC. The announcement was made during the IBA Banking on Women conference, held October 22-23 in Noblesville, Indiana.

This award recognizes a woman age 40 or younger, whose passion, collaboration, and community commitment are driving meaningful change within both the industry and people she serves.

Ashley began her career with North Salem State Bank in 2010. In 2012, she transitioned into the role of a teller trainer, where she played a key role in onboarding, and developing frontline staff for multiple branches. Her leadership path continued as she was promoted to Branch Manager in 2014, and later to Retail Operations Manager, where she continued to make a strong impact across the bank’s footprint.

Since being promoted to Senior Vice President of Retail Operations this summer, Ashley has led a comprehensive transformation of the bank’s operational and technology framework, ensuring NSSB’s customer-facing systems align with the capabilities of much larger banking institutions. Ashley also serves as the Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors, all while still supporting many longtime customers who still seek her guidance after years of being a community branch manager.

“Ashley has been a high performer since day one,” said Matt Howrey, president & CEO of North Salem State Bank, who nominated Ahrens for the honor. “In less than two years, she was so far ahead of everyone that she became our trainer in addition to her other responsibilities. Always eager to learn, Ashley has completed nearly every training opportunity that the IBA and Independent Community Bankers of America has to oƯer, continuing to move up the ladder until her recent promotion to the executive team.”

Ashley’s dedication extends well beyond the bank. Her community involvement includes volunteering for the Hendricks County 4-H Fair, National Night Out, the Hendricks County Historical Museum, the Danville Rotary Club and assisting with her two sons’ youth baseball teams.

She earned her bachelor's degree from Purdue University and has continued to advance her professional education, receiving the Indiana Community Bankers of America’s (ICBA) NextGen Scholarship in 2023, graduating from the IBA Leadership Development Program in 2024 and preparing to complete the Stonier Graduate School of Banking next summer. 

“Ashley is truly ‘on the rise’,” said Amber R. Van Til, IBA president & CEO. “She is dedicated not only to her own growth as a lifelong learner, but the growth of those around her as a trainer and trusted leader. A long-time volunteer with our Future Leadership Division, I know this is only the beginning of an incredible career and I cannot wait to see what she does next.”

ABOUT NORTH SALEM STATE BANK

North Salem State Bank (NSSB) is a locally owned community bank located in North Salem, Indiana. NSSB was founded in 1923 and is committed to providing its customers and its communities quality products and quality service through a dedicated and professional staff, while enhancing shareholder value. Learn more at www.nssb.bank.