Celebrating Ja Hillebrand's 30 Years with Stock Yards Bank & Trust

This month, Stock Yards Bank & Trust celebrates Chairman & CEO Ja Hillebrand's 30-year anniversary with the Bank, a milestone that reflects three decades of growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community banking.

When Ja joined Stock Yards Bank & Trust in 1996 to build the Private Banking Group, the Bank operated seven branches and held approximately $300 million in assets. Today, Stock Yards serves customers through more than 80 branches across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio and has surpassed $10.3 billion in assets, all while staying true to the community bank service style that has set it apart since 1904.

That growth has come through steady strategic expansion, including entry into the Indianapolis market in 2003 and the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky markets in 2007. Alongside that expansion, Ja rose through Bank leadership, serving as President in 2008, Chief Executive Officer in 2018, and Chairman in 2021. 

Through it all, the Bank has held to a simple philosophy. The goal isn't just to get bigger, but to get better. That focus on serving customers well, investing in employees and communities, and building lasting relationships has guided Stock Yards Bank & Trust for decades. As Ja often says, successful banking is about people taking care of people.

As Stock Yards Bank & Trust celebrates this milestone, it looks ahead with the same commitment that has defined the past decades. The Bank remains focused on serving customers, supporting communities, and strengthening bonds for the next chapter.

Thank you, Ja, for 30 years of leadership, dedication, and service to Stock Yards Bank & Trust. We are grateful for your contributions!