Sara Foster

2023 Alumnae Leader of the Year

Sara Foster had a long and fruitful career for 35 years at Commerce Bank – beginning with the company shortly after graduation from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Sara exemplifies a Greater Missouri Woman through strong leadership, community involvement and her ability to inspire and support others. Sara has her Executive MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and is a graduate of the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge Class of 1993.

During her time at Commerce, Sara worked her way through the ranks to serve as the Executive Vice President of Talent Management and Corporate Administration before her retirement in the spring of 2022. She was a trusted and valuable leader serving on the executive management committee beginning in 1999. Sara was responsible for overseeing the company functions related to talent management and the non-credit risk factors. In this role Sara guided efforts that landed Commerce Bank on the Forbes “one of the best employers in America” list multiple times, launched the Commerce Bank Diversity & Inclusion Planning process and for all of this great work was recognized by Korn Ferry as an Engaged Performance Awards winner. Her great work was also recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal when she was named to the list of “Most Influential Business Women” in 2014.  

Sara understands the importance of community involvement and has remained committed to our region through volunteering. In fact the YWCA has recognized Sara as a “Leader of Distinction.” 

Through this award we hope to honor Sara’s distinguished career, prominence in Missouri, and her commitment to the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge.