Lotus Treasurer, Charity League of Paducah President, Easterseals Board Member, Home Builders Association of West Kentucky Board Member, Lone Oak First Baptist Church Member, Paducah Bank United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator, PALS Mentor, Cinderella’s Closet Volunteer Shannon Pace has made a meaningful impact in her professional field by redefining and centralizing construction loan processes and monitoring. Before 2023, each department handled these responsibilities differently, creating inefficiencies and increased risk. Shannon led the effort to design and implement a streamlined, consistent system that improved internal communication, compliance, and client service while reducing risk. She takes pride in knowing the structure she helped establish is sustainable and will continue to benefit the organization for years to come. One of Shannon’s greatest challenges has been balancing a demanding career with raising her young family and maintaining her passion for volunteering. After returning to work following the birth of her twins, she quickly realized how thinly she was spreading herself. Managing her energy and time intentionally became essential. Shannon learned to delegate, prioritize, and give herself permission to say no when necessary. Her employer’s support for community involvement has helped, but she continues to refine her approach daily to maintain balance across professional, family, and volunteer responsibilities. Shannon stands out in her industry as a “unicorn,” bringing a unique combination of strategic thinking and technical expertise to complex roles. Whether building best practices for construction loan monitoring, interpreting intricate SBA requirements, or creating oversight for specialized loans, she excels at solving problems and connecting the dots between policy, risk, and practical execution. Colleagues turn to her when solutions aren’t obvious, trusting her ability to navigate challenges with clarity and precision. She draws inspiration from strong women in both her professional and volunteer life. Leaders like Lori Brown have demonstrated empathy and strategic leadership, while advisors in the Charity League model selfless service and purposeful leadership. Their example motivates Shannon to grow, give more, and lead better. Her advice to young professionals is simple: stay true to yourself. In a world of constant comparison, she encourages others to “run your own race,” a reminder that success, growth, and balance look different for everyone. By showing up authentically and giving your best in your own lane, lasting impact follows. Shannon Pace Construction & Commercial Loan Monitoring Manager, Paducah Bank Merryman House Board Member & Chair of Staff Wellness Committee, United Way of Western KY Reading Pal, Impact Allocations Council Member, & Paducah Bank Employee Campaign Coordinator, Paducah Young Professionals Member, Lead Singer for Soul Dog Susann Parlor believes that creating connection is the foundation of both personal and professional success. At Paducah Bank, she has brought that philosophy to life through initiatives designed to foster engagement, empowerment, and belonging among teammates. In early 2025, she launched HR Check-Ins, a program where her three-person HR team conducts tailored conversations with both new and tenured employees to explore how they feel supported, celebrated, and equipped to grow. These intentional discussions have strengthened ownership, advocacy, and a sense of community across the organization. In addition, Susann introduced The WOW! Word, an internal monthly newsletter that encourages teammates, shares resources, and celebrates accomplishments both professionally and personally. Her commitment to cultivating a positive workplace culture earned her the peer-voted #OneTeam Award, recognizing her efforts to nurture teamwork and employee engagement. Susann’s approach to challenges is guided by empathy, a skill she honed during her first job at a small grocery store in Omaha, Nebraska. As a teenager, she was tasked with helping a recently arrived Syrian immigrant find employment despite language barriers, lack of education, and limited resources. Through this experience, Susann learned to view challenges through a lens of empathy rather than fear, understanding that serving others often requires creativity, patience, and compassion. This lesson has shaped her approach to every professional and personal challenge since. Having spent three years as a “transplant” in Paducah, Susann has embraced the community and workforce with a spirit of collaboration and open communication, striving to create spaces where others feel valued. She draws inspiration from her grandmother, Irish Gallagher, whose courage, joy, and ability to make others feel seen left a lasting impression, and from her mentor Maurie McGarvey, whose integrity and care for people inspired Susann to pursue a career in HR. Susann hopes to be remembered as someone approachable, dependable, and willing to help wherever needed—a person who makes others feel supported in both big and small ways. Her advice to others is simple: do the things that scare you, have the conversations you hesitate to have, and remember that real, positive change rarely happens in a comfort zone. By combining honesty, kindness, and follow-through, she believes anyone can make a lasting impact. Susann Parlor HR Talent Generalist, Paducah Bank Sponsored by 40 Under Forty INTHEVUE.COM | SEPTEMBER 2025 29
