Emily A. Stork

Senior vice president, general counsel
Bankers Trust Co.

Age: 39

Partner: Tim Stork

Children: David (10) and Ellen (8)

Mentor: Tina Smith Fritz, executive vice president and chief operations officer, Bankers Trust Co. 

Why she’s a Forty: Emily serves as a founding member of Bankers Trust’s EmpowHER Committee, organized in 2019 to encourage female representation at all levels of Bankers Trust. As vice president of development for the Des Moines Choral Society, she helped organize a 10-hour virtual Sing-a-Thon, which generated the society’s entire annual fundraising goal. She became the legal adviser for Bankers Trust’s COVID-19 response efforts and has been instrumental in developing policies and procedures related to the pandemic. Emily participated in the Iowa Bankers Association’s inaugural Leaders in Advocacy Class, which educated developing bank leaders about issues affecting the banking industry and developed their advocacy skills.

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

Most people feel that talking to an attorney is something you do when there is a problem. Let’s change that! My goal is to collaborate with all business units throughout Bankers Trust, whether or not there’s an issue, to ensure legal risks are considered early in business decision-making.

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

Iowa College Aid’s goal is to identify and secure revenue to support all Iowans in planning, preparing and completing education beyond high school. Iowa businesses regularly note they struggle to find skilled workers. Creating a skilled workforce will not only alleviate those concerns, but improve the state’s economy.

What’s your biggest passion, and why? 

Relationships are my biggest passion. I find energy in building real and sustainable connections with others. I only hope to be able to provide a fraction of the love, support and encouragement my family, friends and colleagues have provided me along the way.

What is it that drives you? 

After law school, I practiced law with my (once eye roll-inducing) dad. As a teenager, I had no idea how smart he was. He never stops impressing me with his ability to distill complicated, intellectual issues into something clients can understand. Like him, I strive to make challenging topics approachable.

What are your future aspirations? 

Most importantly, I want to raise thoughtful, compassionate and generous children. I also want to support Bankers Trust as it continues to grow and adapt by addressing new and changing legal risks and continue using my time and talents to improve the lives of others in Central Iowa.

Three hobbies: 

Power Life sculpt classes, trying new recipes and cheering on my children from the sidelines.

ONE word: Engaged.

Fun fact: 

Emily majored in vocal performance at Luther College, singing the roles of Maria in “The Sound of Music,” Mabel in “The Pirates of Penzance” and Susanna in “Le Nozze di Figaro.”

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? 

Adopt initiatives to address the disparities in employment, financial inclusion, education, housing and health outlined in the Directors Council “One Economy” report. While Des Moines routinely achieves high ratings on lists like “affordable place to live in the U.S.” and “best city for living the American dream,” data shows significant economic disparities for the Black community in Polk County. We cannot truly be successful until we all are successful. 

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

In light of the disproportionate departure of women from the workforce as a result of the pandemic, I wish the Central Iowa business community would focus on flexible work options and invest in affordable child care for working parents.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional looking to become a leader in your community and/or company? 

There is no one-size-fits-all mentor. You can have many mentors to inspire and encourage you in different parts of your life. A mentor can be a peer, parent, co-worker, etc. The important thing is to identify those serving as mentors in your life and be receptive to their advice and guidance.