Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Short serves as Retail Lending Leader at The Union Bank Company, where she leads a team of mortgage and consumer lenders while focusing on process improvement, team development, and operational excellence. In her role, Jessica works to strengthen lending strategies, improve collaboration across departments, and ensure customers receive exceptional service throughout the lending experience. With more than 25 years of experience in retail lending, she has developed extensive expertise in mortgage lending, consumer lending, relationship management, and building high-performing teams. Prior to joining The Union Bank Company, Jessica served as Head of Retail Lending at F&M Bank in Archbold, Ohio, where she spent three and a half years overseeing retail lending operations and supporting customers with personalized financial solutions. She also spent 13 years as an Area Sales Manager and producing mortgage and retail lender, building a strong foundation in residential lending and customer-focused service. In 2025, Jessica achieved a personal milestone by completing her Associate of Arts degree in Business Management from Northwest State Community College, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning, professional growth, and continuous improvement. Jessica attributes her success to her willingness to learn, her dedication to helping customers and communities, and her belief in leading by example. She is passionate about creating meaningful connections, supporting her team, and ensuring that every interaction leaves a positive impact. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Jessica is actively involved in her community as Treasurer of Defiance Premier Networking, Board Member and Finance Committee Member for United Way of Defiance County, and a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association Northwest Ohio Chapter. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family as a proud mother of two boys and grandmother of one grandson. She is married to her high school sweetheart for over 28 years. Her hobbies include reading, camping, 4-wheeling, and creating lasting memories with her loved ones. Guided by the belief that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right, Jessica continues to inspire others through her integrity, leadership, and passion for service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to continuously learn, grow, and adapt. I have always been driven by a genuine desire to help others, whether it is supporting customers, empowering my team, or serving the broader community. By staying committed to personal growth and maintaining a strong focus on service, I have been able to build meaningful relationships, contribute positively to those around me, and make a lasting impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to find my passion and pursue it wholeheartedly. I believe that success comes from identifying what truly motivates and inspires me, whether that is within retail lending, mortgage lending, or another area of banking. By understanding where my strengths and interests align and following through with dedication and purpose, I have been able to create a fulfilling career while continuing to make a meaningful impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the banking industry is to lead by example and never ask others to do something you would not be willing to do yourself. Strong leadership comes from being present, supportive, and willing to work alongside your team. By staying engaged, demonstrating commitment, and showing that you are invested in the success of those around you, you can build trust, inspire others, and create a positive impact within your organization.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The mortgage market is very rate and fee conscious so if our rate is a tad bit higher, borrowers may not give us the opportunity to help. I am not just here to give a loan or lead a team. I want to help. I want to guide customer through the process, be the go-to person for questions, suggestions, be their cheer leader in realize your financial dreams whether it is buying your first home, refinancing to renovate or get into a better financial situation, help work through your financial struggles or empower my team to find their passion and serve our customers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are empathy, passion, integrity, accountability, and leading by example. I believe that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right, and I strive to bring that mindset to everything I do. I also believe in supporting others by never asking someone to do something I would not be willing to do myself. Finding my passion, staying committed to continuous growth, and using my strengths to make a positive impact are values that guide my decisions and how I approach my relationships with others.
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