As her operations acumen grows, Hoffman strengthens Illinois bankState Bank of Pearl City, Ill., was going through a leadership transition in 2024..The transition included extensive employee turnover and temporarily fewer staff until the new leadership team could take over. Key to guiding the bank through the transition was Loan Officer Liandra Hoffman, one of BankBeat magazine’s 2026 “Rising Stars in Banking.”President/CEO Allen Brewer called Hoffman “the glue” that kept the entire branch operating, sacrificing her own free time for the benefit of the group. Hoffman worked six days a week during the transition as the go-to employee for other staff. Hoffman herself only had a couple years’ experience at the bank.Brewer also attributed Hoffman’s success to her endless curiosity to learn more about banking and her quick learning curve. Brewer, who nominated Hoffman for Rising Star recognition, said she “forwards thoughts and opinions openly and is not afraid to have the ‘hard’ conversations needed to keep the bank moving forward.” Brewer seesHoffman’s approach to leadership as calm, coaching staff by example and giving hands-on learning opportunities.Hoffman’s responsibilities at the $68 million bank go beyond the usual for a loan officer. She is the project leader when the bank makes fee schedule adjustments, ACH and hours of operation, and has knowledge of bank operations and training. She also manages the bank’s marketing/social media efforts.“She has a voice, she’s using it and using it in the appropriate ways,” Brewer said. “She is an organized individual.”Hoffman prioritizes answering questions from her direct questions and soliciting feedback. A self-admitted multitasker, Hoffman has shifted her approach to focus on one task at a time. She time-blocks her daily responsibilities.While discussing tasks with staff, Hoffman asks if they have questions, or if they want to go through scenarios to prepare. “Before you improve a specific process, there is usually a problem or scenario that comes up and you are like, maybe we should do this differently,” she said. “It’s thinking through how we could do this differently. What’s the best way to do it? Are there different ways to do it?”Hoffman, 33, has an 18-month transition plan, culminating in her leading State Bank of Pearl City’s administrative work as operations officer. Operations will allow Hoffman to support coworkers and improve processes, which she expects will trickle down to customers. “It gives me a lot of meaning to have that kind of impact,” she said.“It’s the customer interaction, helping it go smoothly,” Hoffman added. “We are a small bank, so I wear many hats. But that’s what I enjoy, coming in and doing something different every day. I like to think of myself as a problem-solver. I like to solve puzzles.”Before becoming a banker, Hoffman worked in the closing department at Galena, Ill.-based HBW Title Group from 2013-22. She drew from her experience working with lenders to transition to banking.“There was a lot of thought that went into it, but I decided to make a change and go into the banking world because of my experience in that closing department and working with lenders,” she said.“It was helping or seeing those lenders help their borrowers buy their dream house and just seeing what a good experience it was,” she added. “I enjoy helping people.”One example Hoffman cited was a loan customer who came into the bank to finance a new vehicle. She later saw her customer at her son’s baseball game. “I like that we’re a small community bank,” she said. “I want to know my customers, so I do make conversation, but it’s not necessarily just small talk. I want to know them, that way I can be better at helping them.”
