Portage Community Bank’s Sara McCarty Named 2026 Next Gen Banking Leader

Since joining Portage Community Bank in 2019, McCarty has become a fixture in Ohio’s financial sector, balancing her internal responsibilities with extensive committee work. Her professional trajectory includes serving as the chair of the OBL Next Generation Advisory Board and graduating from the 2023 OBL Bank Leadership Institute. Colleagues point to her 2024 recognition as Lending Advocate of the Year by Alloy Development Co. as evidence of her specialized expertise in SBA 504 programs.

Her influence extends beyond corporate performance, as evidenced by her active participation in the City of Kent Revolving Loan Fund. During the award announcement, OBL President Michael Adelman highlighted her focus on developing industry talent as a defining trait. McCarty herself attributed much of her professional development to the guidance of the late Eric Decker, whose mentorship shaped her commitment to the regional banking community.