CCN Leadership
Sara Smith
Chief of Staff
- Relationship maestro and operational alchemist
- Joined CCN in 2023
- 20+ years in finance and team management
- Bachelor’s in marketing from Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois
Sara Smith joined CCN as its Chief of Staff in 2023. She works closely with Andy Cox to ensure a quality experience for CCN’s consultants, internal teams, and clients alike.
Before CCN, Sara spent over 15 years with ATG Trust, a Chicago-based independent trust company and wealth management firm, which was later acquired by Midland States Bank. While at the trust company, she focused on operations, risk, and compliance. As the COO, she worked closely with the CEO on strategic initiatives, helping grow and prepare the company for the acquisition in June 2021
"I believe success isn't just about individual contributions. It's about investing in people and building them up. When you do that, success becomes the result of the entire team's efforts. I really value highlighting everyone's contributions."
Outside of work, CCN’s work/life flexibility allows Sara to share key moments with her husband, preteen daughter, and teenage son. She enjoys visiting her extended family in her hometown of Chicago as well as traveling around the world. A family-favorite dinner topic is always “Where should we go next?”