ERNST

After graduating from high school in his hometown of Ferdinand in southern Indiana, Jason Ernest came to Terre Haute, graduating in 2005 from Indiana State University with a degree in finance.

“I started working at First Financial Bank and worked there in banking for 14 years until February 2020,” making a switch to The Hometown

Turn to ERNST, D7

■ Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at The Hometown Savings Bank.

■ 2005 graduate, Indiana State University bachelor’s degree in finance.

■ Treasurer of ISU Sycamore Construction Management Advisory Board; served as treasurer for eight years for board of directors of CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center.

around you, you can pretty much do anything you want in life. I’m blessed to have that,” Dunavan said.

Among the accomplishments he is most proud of include speaking up for changes at the Indiana 63 and Indiana 234 intersection and then seeing it happen.

When he was on the North Vermillion School Board, he and other members advocated to start an FFA program.

The 27-year-old credits his success to his family, and parents in particular, who “have set so many goals and examples growing up.” They instilled in him that he could do whatever he set his mind to.

“When you have a great family base

In terms of how he overcomes obstacles and challenges, he takes the view, “This, too, shall pass.” Also, “I’m surrounded by great people. I always surround myself with people smarter than me, and that always helps me overcome obstacles.”

His future goals include serving as a state legislator.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-2314235 or at sue.loughlin@tribstar.com Follow Sue on Twitter @TribStarSue

12 Under 40 awardee Jason Ernst, a vice president and commercial loan officer at The Hometown Savings Bank, enjoys being a component in the success of local small businesses. Here, Ernst poses for a photo at the bank’s main branch on Feb. 21.

Tribune-Star/ Joseph C. Garza