Deanna Santman
Deanna Santman is a Planning Advisor at Plansmith, where she partners with banking and credit union professionals to coach and support them in leveraging Plansmith’s products for budgeting, forecasting, and AML compliance. With a strong focus on streamlining processes and enhancing organizational efficiency, Deanna excels at aligning project goals with client needs and market trends. She has helped redesigned training materials and tutorials to meet brand standards while improving usability and effectiveness for users. Prior to joining Plansmith, Deanna built a robust career in banking and learning and design. She held multiple leadership roles at PNC, including Senior Branch Manager and Learning Facilitator, where she drove branch operations, coached teams to exceed goals, and developed training programs for new hires. She also created engaging e-learning courses and interactive guides, demonstrating her expertise in instructional design and adult learning strategies. Deanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Eureka College and has cultivated a career blending client-focused coaching, organizational effectiveness, and training development. Beyond her professional roles, she is deeply committed to community service, volunteering with local organizations to raise funds and support research initiatives. Her combination of strategic insight, leadership, and dedication to service defines her professional ethos.
• Eureka College
• Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible mentors who have guided me along the way. Their support, wisdom, and encouragement have helped me grow professionally and navigate challenges with confidence.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to say “yes” to opportunities, but don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It’s taught me to embrace challenges while knowing that seeking guidance is a strength, not a weakness.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the industry to never be afraid to speak up and to confidently take their seat at the table. Your voice, ideas, and perspective matter, and showing up fully is key to creating opportunities and making an impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, the biggest challenges in my field are navigating the changing financial climate and addressing the loss of human connection in professional environments. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to innovate, strengthen relationships, and find new ways to engage and support clients and teams.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me both professionally and personally are loyalty, community, and passion. I strive to build strong, trustworthy relationships, contribute meaningfully to the communities I’m part of, and approach every endeavor with dedication and enthusiasm.