2021 40 Under 40: Dana Ausburn

Dana Ausburn, 35, credits her success to not being afraid to take calculated risks, to making herself vulnerable when necessary and to being unflinchingly honest with the clients she serves as vice president and commercial relationship manager at Commerce Bank. She says it’s always about putting her clients’ best interests first.

Ausburn says the trait that sets her apart is “my insistence on being honest and sometimes even blunt with my customers. I believe it is important to tell people the truth, even if they don’t necessarily want to hear it – especially if their livelihood depends on it.”

Outside of the bank, Ausburn serves as chair on a Junior League of Springfield committee, as president of the GYN Cancer Alliance and as a founding member of Sculpture Walk Springfield.

In 2015, Ausburn also helped a Springfield hospital create a health services financing program, which allows patients to secure an interest-free loan to pay their bills over time.

First job? The Gap.

Proudest moment? Bringing my twins, Ross and Natalie, into the world.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Where you are is where you are at.

Recent TV show binge? “Bridgerton.”

Favorite hobby or pastime? Golf, traveling and spending time outside.