As a business owner, you have a vision for where you want to be. It’s that entrepreneurial spirit that builds our communities keeps our nation moving forward.

At Wintrust Financial Corporation, we understand and share that spirit. As a collection of 15 different chartered banks, 79 locations and dozens of specialty finance companies and niches, Wintrust Financial Corporation is a company of entrepreneurs. Each bank, finance company and niche is run by someone who had a vision and passion for that business.

Wintrust Franchise Services is no different. Lead by Sandra McCraren, who is also President of Highland Park Bank & Trust, this team has more than 35 years of combined experience meeting the needs of owner operators nationwide.

Sandra McCraren
President

Sandra has worked in banking for 24 years and specializes in franchise lending, specifically McDonald’s lending. Sandra brings continuity and expertise in structuring loans and strategic planning. During her career, she has also been a Credit Analyst, Portfolio Lender and has managed the Lending Division of a large national bank.  Sandra is currently President of Highland Park Bank & Trust, a Branch of Lake Forest Bank & Trust. She sits on the boards of the following organizations: YEA Highland Park, Highland Park Healthcare Foundation, HP Dugout Club, Inc., and the Stearny Way Foundation.  Sandra is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She is married and has three kids.

Lori Christensen
Vice President

Lori has been in banking since 1993. She began her career at NBD Bank in Chicago, which became Bank One after a series of mergers. Lori’s career has included general middle market lending, credit training, franchise finance and non-profit lending. She joined Wintrust Financial Corporation/Highland Park Bank & Trust in 2005 and has been dedicated to working with McDonald’s clients on a full time basis.

Lori is a University of Illinois graduate. She is married with two children and enjoys traveling, volunteering and spending time with family. Lori is a big Chicago Cubs and Fighting Illini fan.

Sean Willison
Assistant Vice President

Sean has been in the banking industry for nine years. He began his career in the Consumer Loans Banking division and moved on to manage Retail Banking Operations. Sean then worked in Commercial Lending as a Senior Credit Officer at Merrill Lynch before joining Wintrust Financial Corporation/Highland Park Bank & Trust. Sean specializes in Franchise Lending for the bank. Six of his banking years have been spent in franchise lending and two years specifically working on McDonald’s lending. Sean served as Chairman of Philanthropy for the Commercial Lending Group at Merrill Lynch and was part of the team responsible for re-writing credit policy and specifically McDonald’s policy. His current responsibilities include underwriting, meeting with clients and new prospects, Board reporting, portfolio management and assisting the Highland Park Bank & Trust McDonald’s team to serve their clients.

Sean is an Elmhurst College graduate. He has lived in the Chicagoland area his whole life and is a huge Chicago Blackhawk’s fan.

Melissa Reed
Commercial Documentation Officer

Melissa has spent the last 14 years of her career in banking. She has been with Highland Park Bank & Trust for the past 5 years. Melissa has worked in personal banking, mortgage and home equity lending, consumer and commercial loan operations and credit and most recently in franchise lending documentation.  She is a regular participant in local women’s events and Chamber events. Melissa enjoys communicating with the McDonald’s owner/operators and making sure all of their transactions run smoothly. She is from the Chicagoland area and has one daughter.