Meet Jennifer Sheahan

Jennifer Sheahan, CTFA

Vice President & Trust Officer
6430 Bridge Road, Monona
JSheahan@lakeridge.bank
(608) 826-3531

Q: What are some things that you help bank customers with?

Jennifer: As part of the Wealth Management team, I work with clients who have trusts, estates, or investments at Lake Ridge Bank, handling estate and trust administration for beneficiaries or grantors. I serve as a fiduciary professional, guiding and advising beneficiaries while honoring the specifications detailed in legal documents prepared by their loved ones. I’ve been doing this work for more than 33 years, and I still come across situations that are new or different. I enjoy helping people understand how to leave behind a legacy for their loved ones, as well as helping those beneficiaries navigate such a difficult time in their lives after a loss.

Q: What are the best things about living and working in this area?

Jennifer: I grew up in Madison and have spent my entire life in this area other than living in Milwaukee for three years at the beginning of my career. In addition to my appreciation for the kindness of people throughout the Midwest, I believe Madison and the surrounding communities are truly a wonderful place with so much to do. From the Capitol and downtown area to the university and lakes to the arboretum, trails, and other outdoor recreational opportunities, there is something for everyone. Add to that the access to sports at every level! We have loved supporting Badger sports with our three sons, along with competitive high school sports, amateur teams, and even professional sports nearby. You get city life mixed with outdoor activities, and whatever you feel like doing is only minutes away. I have always felt a strong connection to Madison, and I am proud to call it my home.

 Q: How did you get into banking as a career?

Jennifer: I went to UW-Whitewater to study Finance but did not know which specific direction I would take within that major. At the end of my junior year, I took a class on trusts and estates and knew that was what I wanted to do. I was on the Board of the student Finance Association and helped organize a speaker on that topic, which just further cemented my interest. I share that story when talking with my kids and their friends. I tell them they are still young and not to worry about knowing exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives when they enter college. Keep exploring different aspects of something that feels “close,” and you’ll eventually find the right path. This specialty area hits all of my strengths and interests. I’ve always been good with numbers and math, it includes a business aspect, it requires a lot of problem solving, and it involves working with people all day long. I was hooked! Serving as a Trust Officer is really all about helping people by building relationships and supporting people through what can be a very emotional aspect of their money management.

Q: What is something you really enjoy about your work?

Jennifer: I really truly love being a Trust Officer. I like working with people, and every day is different. Each family has its own challenges and its own special personality. Based on the situation, I get to be part of their journey and connect in a very unique way. We build a deep trust – I joke that they can trust me because the word trust is in my title! But it’s true. The day-to-day role of a Trust Officer tends to be as much about the people as it is about the documents, about having compassion for their situation, and guiding them without judgment at a time when they are often at their worst in the wake of losing a loved one. It’s a combination of educating people about the process paired with lightening their load at a stressful time. I like being a fiduciary because it matches who I am as a person. A fiduciary must do what is in the best interest of the client.  I can’t imagine acting any other way. I also feel very blessed to do this work at Lake Ridge Bank. I think it is the perfect size! Lake Ridge Bank has the resources, the ingrained culture of building relationships and a sense of community, plus a list of core values that match my own. I am able to be the type of person and professional that I always strive to be.