Success brought a turning point where I needed more challenge. I took the reins, made changes, and found a role that opened new career opportunities. Always know your worth!
Kathryn Kendall · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Kathryn
Kathryn Kendall is a highly accomplished banking and financial services professional with nearly 30 years of progressive experience across retail banking, personal banking, deposit operations, consumer lending, and commercial lending. She began her career as a bank teller while attending college and steadily advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, building a comprehensive foundation in banking operations, client service, and financial solutions.
Most recently, Kathryn served as a Senior Commercial Loan Documentation Specialist with Wintrust Financial Corporation, where she supported complex commercial lending transactions with a strong focus on accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. Her expertise spans commercial real estate, construction, SBA, and consumer lending, along with extensive experience in UCC filings, title review, escrow coordination, tax documentation, and loan processing. She has consistently partnered with loan officers, attorneys, and internal banking teams to ensure seamless, compliant, and efficient loan execution from origination through closing.
Kathryn is now excited to begin her next chapter with Northern Trust in Chicago as a Senior Custom Loan Specialist, where she will focus on serving private wealth clients and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. She proudly serves on the board of Opportunity Knocks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment and community inclusion, reflecting her deep commitment to service and impact beyond her professional career. Outside of work, Kathryn enjoys reading, spending quality time with her family, and crafting pursuits that reflect her creativity, balance, and appreciation for life outside of banking. She is especially proud of her journey and views her new role at Northern Trust as a defining milestone, with aspirations to build a long-term career and ultimately retire as a partner within the organization.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kathryn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the responsibility I feel toward my family. They are my greatest source of motivation and inspire me to work hard, lead with purpose, and continuously grow both personally and professionally. Supporting my children: Kaitlyn, Ryan, Victoria, and Harper; as well as my brother Ron, and my fiancé David, has strengthened my resilience, work ethic, and determination to create opportunities and build a stable, successful future for those I care about.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received came from my father: "There's no such thing as can't." That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career, reminding me to approach every challenge with determination, resilience, and a solution-oriented attitude. It's a lesson I continue to live by and one I proudly pass on to my children, encouraging them to believe in their abilities and never let obstacles define what they can achieve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to know your worth and never underestimate the value you bring to the table. Advocate for yourself with confidence, seek opportunities that recognize your contributions, and don't be afraid to negotiate for fair compensation. Your skills, experience, and leadership deserve the same respect and opportunities as anyone else's, regardless of color or gender.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the banking industry is its close connection to the overall economy. Factors such as rising interest rates, inflation, and economic downturns can significantly impact lending activity and customer demand. At the same time, these fluctuations create opportunities for professionals who remain adaptable, build strong client relationships, and take a long-term perspective. Success in banking comes from understanding that the industry moves in cycles and being prepared to navigate the ebbs and flows with resilience and strategic thinking.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are loyalty in every sense—being loyal to others, but also being loyal to myself by understanding my worth and staying true to my principles. I also place strong importance on philanthropy and fellowship, consistently striving to give back, support others, and contribute positively to my community whenever possible.
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