(This is one of our profiles on this year’s recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2024 Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Sarah McKinnie
Age: 38
Employer: Origin Bank
Title: Public Relations Specialist II
Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana
Years Living in Ruston: 20 years
I have lived in Ruston for 20 years. I moved here in 2004 to attend Louisiana Tech University. I pledged Phi Mu my first year at Tech and dove into leadership development positions, community involvement opportunities and our sorority philanthropy. During my time at Tech, I served as a mentor and counselor to youth in LA GEAR UP. LA GEAR UP is a program for youth across Louisiana to be able to attend a Science/Math/Engineering camp geared towards increasing the number of low-income students entering and succeeding in post-secondary education. Through this program, I was able to meet some amazing individuals in this community that I still have the pleasure of working with today!
My major required an internship before graduating. I contemplated all of the options Ruston had to offer, and finally decided the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce was the correct fit. It was fast paced and fun! I was able to work on some major events, but the Peach Festival was my absolute favorite. I was able to meet and work with a lot of the community. I believe it was through this internship that I discovered I was not only passionate about community involvement, but I was also passionate about Ruston. I met my husband 2 months before graduating from Tech in the fall of 2009. Once I graduated, I moved back home to Shreveport while I searched for a job. My now husband was working in Monroe, and I missed the “small town community” feel of my college town. I knew I wanted to come back to Ruston. I reached out to the Chamber to see if they knew of any opportunities, and I got a phone call from the membership director informing me her position was about to be available, and she referred me to fill it! I wanted it! It was a dream job for me to work in the community, plan events, and be alongside great community leaders. I eagerly scheduled an interview for the position and started that following week!
In 2011, I joined Origin Bank as a Public Relations Specialist for Lincoln Parish. Working for Origin Bank has been the most rewarding opportunity. The people I get to work with daily both internally and externally, are all so incredible!
Civic Volunteer Organizations: I currently serve on the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Through our Origin Bank Project Enrich Program- I am able to connect our employees to local non-profits and schools that need volunteers. Project Enrich gives employees up to 20 hours of paid time each year during work hours to volunteer within the community.
Professional Highlights: Graduate of Ruston-Lincoln Chamber Leadership Lincoln Program, United Way Campaign Coordinator since 2012 for Origin Bank Lincoln/Union Parish campaign, Served on Montessori School of Ruston Board of Directors, Coordinates Adopt-A-School program for Origin Bank, Received award from Ruston-Lincoln Chamber as one of the Top 5 Young Business Leaders to Watch, currently serves on the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Awarded the Community Commitment Award by my peers at Origin Bank
Lincoln Parish Market Leader for Origin Bank Jeff Parker on Sarah McKinnie:
“Sarah McKinnie’s enthusiasm and cheerful disposition are completely genuine and have allowed her to impact others in a positive way. Her infectious personality and commitment to service make her such an integral part of our community.”
Q&A with Sarah McKinnie
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
Lincoln Parish is special because of it’s people. I love that we get to raise our children here and call this community our home!
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
I believe my role on the Chamber Board, working with individuals that are goal driven, is how I can play a even a small part in making our parish an excellent place to call home.
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
I have been blessed to have numerous mentors in my professional development so it would be hard to narrow it down to just one.
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