Girl Boss 2017: Sally Bane

As executive director of economic development for the City of Plano, Sally Bane has been on the forefront of keeping Plano competitive for 11 years. She heads Plano’s efforts to create job opportunities, diversify the economic base of the community and increase the tax base to provide revenue that funds services to our citizens.

In her position, Sally and her team have been involved in 123 relocation and expansion projects that have resulted in more than $2 billion in tax base improvements. Since becoming executive director of economic development, more than 36,000 jobs associated with companies such as Toyota Motor North America, Liberty Mutual, JP Morgan Chase, FedEx Office, Capital One Auto Finance, Cigna, Ericsson, USAA, Tektronix and Pizza Hut have come to the city.

“The best part of my job is every project is very different with unique challenges and opportunities,” Sally said. “The opportunity to create the region’s job engine and positively impact a community is what led me to my position as executive director of economic development.”

Sally believes her work benefits all citizens of Plano, saying, “Jobs are the foundation of our robust economy. The benefit of the jobs that have been created in this community is multiplied throughout the economy.”

“In addition to having an enormous fiscal impact [$7.2 billion over a 10-year period], Toyota, like so many corporations in our community, is actively involved with non-profits and philanthropy. These companies provide thousands of hours of volunteer time and financial support.”

Given that larger corporations are finding their place in Plano, Sally reiterates that she and her team are committed to assisting businesses of all sizes, always keeping small businesses’ growth in mind because “they are an important part of what we do.”

Jamee Jolly, president/CEO of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, believes Sally’s greatest contribution to the community is how she has helped to provide Plano with a vibrant job market, the ability to compete on a global stage, and a robust economy. “She is able to hold her own and compete with the best,” Jamee said. “Although Sally is a tough competitor, she knows how to relax and enjoy time with her family. With such a demanding job, it is nice to know she can find balance in life. “

Sally and her husband Mark live in Plano and have a son, Eric, who is a graduate of Texas Christian University. With everything in front of her, Sally is very active in her community beyond her career. Some of her humanitarian and volunteer work includes roles on the Children’s Medical Center Plano Board, Plano ISD Education Foundation Board of Trustees, Plano Junior League Advisory Board and the Plano Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, to name just a few.

“When you are equally passionate about both sides [work and family] of your life, you can do both. You do it with earnestness and passion,” Sally said.

See all of the 2017 Girl Bosses >
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