The panoply of interests, skills, and passions of a community’s constituents compose the breadth of its liveliness. Similarly, an individual’s interests, skills, and passions compose their vocation. As such, constituents’ vocation is inherently linked with community vitality.
For some, the power and influence of vocation can be wielded within the confines of their profession. For others, it may be extracurricular in nature. Yet, regardless of the when or where, in most cases, vocation can be rendered down simply to the desire to help others.
Jared Macha is a great embodiment of this desire.
Macha currently serves as the branch manager of the Mt. Pleasant South Mission office of
Isabella Bank, where he has worked for the past seven years.
While Macha has lived just outside of Ithaca for the entirety of his life, he has found a second home within the Mt. Pleasant community. As would be expected, Macha has an extreme level of admiration for his adopted community.
“Mt. Pleasant is such a unique community. It’s big enough where you can access high-quality and exceptional businesses, while still knowing your neighbors and community members,” says Macha of Mt. Pleasant’s merits.
He also notes the commitment of the community to helping their own.
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Courtesy Jared Macha
“I have seen firsthand the impact individuals, small businesses, and community groups such as the Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant have on [the community],” he shares. “The desire to help those around us, support different ventures for our youth, and generate hope and accessibility for those in need defines the culture of Mt. Pleasant.”
What Macha describes, he plays an active role in.
Financial education is not nearly as ubiquitous as the financial capital it pertains to; there is a need for resources leading to enhanced financial literacy for community members. Macha plays a role in fulfilling this need within the Mt. Pleasant community.
“I feel that access to financial literacy and support is very important to a successful community,” Macha says. “Having a trusting partner in the community for your financial needs and well-being is such an asset to … personal success in our community.”
In addition to providing financial resources to community members through his professional endeavors, Macha serves on the finance committee of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, as well being the upcoming treasurer of the Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant.
“[I feel] my work impacts the community with guidance for financial literacy and community development,” he says. “Being an active member of the community and always looking for ways to help fill a need lifts so many people and organizations up beyond what just one person can do.”
An example of the power of being active in the community can be seen in the philanthropy of Macha’s own organization. In 2024, Isabella Bank made over $600K in donations to the community and served over 8,100 hours in volunteer efforts.
As much as Macha and his employer have given back to the community, it has been repaid unto him through experiences that have catalyzed his personal and professional growth.
This growth has not come without challenges, but Macha has a disposition capable of turning challenges into opportunities.
“Being a young professional can come with challenges—as with most careers, we run into roadblocks, but with roadblocks come opportunities for personal and professional growth,” he shares. “I feel that when working with a great organization, great leadership, and a great team any obstacle is simply an invitation to get creative and grow.”
Macha takes these invitations seriously, saying, “Never say no to an opportunity for growth. Anything you do in life should be done with full intention and effort, because the more you put into something, the more you’ll get out of it.”
Macha’s positive mindset is now being passed onto other Mt. Pleasant community members that he encounters in daily life—a testament to his commitment to helping others grow.
“I’ve had some terrific mentors and leaders in my life and career, which has led me to be able to give that same support to members of my team, local students, and young adults,” says Macha.
There is perhaps a tinge of melancholy that one experiences after seeing someone grow and move on to new opportunities because of the support given to them. But mostly, he says it is a positive thing.
“I love having the ability to help entry-level employees develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge necessary to grow their career,” expresses Macha. “While it can be sad on a personal level to see a great team member move on to a new role, I feel such pride to know that even if I had a small part in their development, while ensuring they feel valued and supported, I know I am doing well as a leader.”