Steve Bucklin, Vice President, Customer Experience has earned the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award for his dedication to Horizon, and his extraordinary leadership. He has overseen the growth of Horizon’s communication center by combining video banking and Horizon’s call center. His positive outlook and constant effort to maintain a cooperative and collaborative team environment challenges his leaders to develop to their full potential. His priority and motivation is to make the customer's experience the best it can be.

He also has been instrumental in expanding Horizon's digital footprint by launching online account opening and deploying more video banking machines and ATMs in our markets including our under banked communities.

Steve is passionate about seeking diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is an advocate for others. He is an active member of the LGBTQ+ Advisor Resource Group and is on the LGBTQ+ Leadership Steering Committee. Bucklin said of the award, “It is a sincere privilege to be recognized with the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership award, and I feel this is recognition of my entire team’s efforts. I am thankful to work for an organization that values our diverse skills, experiences and perspectives. Our teams are a true reflection of the communities we serve and that allows us to better serve our communities.”

Mary Kay Gaboyan, Vice President, Mortgage Loan Sales Manager, was also presented the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award for her commitment to Horizon, co-workers and her mortgage customers. Gaboyan is a highly regarded leader not only by her team but also the processing, compliance, underwriting, secondary and closing teams.

She has been instrumental in leading Horizon Bank sales team through 2020 and 2021 where COVID changed the way business was conducted. She not only supports the sales team, but she is also a strong proponent of collaboration between Horizon’s sales and operations teams as well.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award. My success as a leader could not be done without the support of our tremendous team. We work extremely well together and have genuine respect for one another which allows us to provide the best service our customers,” stated Gaboyan.

Another inspirational role model for co-workers, service organizations and community residents is Jim Parpart, Vice President, District Manager of Northeast Indiana. Parpart was awarded the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award for consistency creating a positive change for customers, Horizon Bank and his community. He strives to bring his best to work every day, coaches his advisors to higher levels of understanding and performance through consistent messaging, being a role model, and sincerely embracing the importance and value of Exceptional Service and Sensible Advice.

Last year Parpart successfully led several important projects and it was impressive to see the solutions offered by him and his management team. Through Jim’s coaching, his team understood how to effectively evaluate resources, formulate effective plans, and continue their forward momentum toward Horizon’s defined objectives.

“I am honored to receive this award and grateful to have been nominated. A good leader comes from within and takes a continued commitment from myself and my entire team to strive to do our best everyday. As a leader, I feel active listening, gathering feedback from the team and continuing to learn have been the foundations to my team’s success,” stated Parpart.

Madelaine Spoljoric, Vice President, Business Intelligence Manager, also was presented the Award for her dedication and significant contributions to the bank and her team. She pushes her team to do their best so they can continually learn and grow, bringing better expertise to Horizon. She brings great knowledge and supports continuous learning and is always willing to help and share that knowledge with others.

“I am honored and excited to have won this award. Being a good leader starts with being adaptable and leading the team using each advisors unique skillset to work towards a common goal. If you’re good at it, you can get the team excited for a specific project as well,” stated Spoljoric.

Splojoric has not only been a pillar in multiple bank acquisitions but has spearheaded the design and building of internal systems. She continually works to upgrade these systems so customer’s needs are being communicated to the proper advisors and customers are getting best in class service.

About The Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award

This award is presented to a Horizon Advisor  who affects positive change for customers, company and community, as exemplified by outstanding leadership, professionalism, collaboration and commitment to customers, and who is an active community volunteer.  Mr. Dabagia provided leadership, guidance and inspiration throughout his years, generously giving of his time and expertise to Horizon Bank and the community.  In honor of his outstanding leadership and service, Horizon's Leadership Award has been named the Robert C. Dabagia Leadership Award.