platforms. The opportunity is figuring out how we can use it in our day-to-day operations. Community banks may also have the flexibility to work with multiple vendors rather than relying on a single platform. At the same time, we have to consider cybersecurity. What new risks might AI create? How could it affect cyberattacks? There are still questions we need to work through. We’ve started exploring how to use AI internally at our bank, with an emphasis on keeping our information protected and controlling access. It will be interesting to see how that develops. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR CAREER? Without a doubt, it’s the people I’ve met over the past 31 years — coworkers, clients, peers and vendors. Some of those people have become dear friends. When I look back at the end of my banking career, I think that will be what matters most: the relationships built through the trials, tribulations and successes. HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE WEST VIRGINIA BANKERS ASSOCIATION? My involvement began when I attended the West Virginia Bankers Association School of Banking in 2000 and 2001. Since then, I’ve attended many conferences and other association events, and I eventually became a member of the board. The association has been part of my career for a long time, and my involvement has continued to grow. WHY IS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP IMPORTANT? The association provides a lot of things that can sometimes be taken for granted. The networking opportunities are excellent. You get to meet your peers, learn ways to advance your career and hear about what other banks are doing that might be useful in your own organization. There are also many educational opportunities. Those programs can help someone who is just starting out and wants to learn more. They are also a valuable refresher for someone like me who has been in banking for a long time. Advocacy at the state and national levels is extremely important, too. We need to stay aware of legislative and regulatory developments and understand what may be coming. It is important to know that without these advocacy efforts by the association, banks can lose their voice on the industry’s “needs and wants” when it comes to legislation. Membership can be extremely rewarding, especially when you get involved. AS CHAIRMAN, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST? I’m looking forward to continuing to meet people and learn about different aspects of the business. I try to learn something new every day. I also look forward to supporting the association’s work, including legislative engagement and educational opportunities. I serve on the products and services groups, and one goal is to help enhance profitability for the association through that work. Above all, I want to provide continued support to the association’s team. WHAT IS HAPPENING AT PIONEER COMMUNITY BANK THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT? We’re in the process of opening two new locations. We’re planning for one to open later this fall and hope to open the second in the first quarter of 2027. That’s keeping me busy. There’s a lot going on, and it’s an interesting time for the bank. TELL US ABOUT YOUR LIFE OUTSIDE OF WORK. My wife, Kara, was a middle school math teacher for the bulk of her career and is now an elementary school principal in Beckley. Our daughter, Allison, graduated from West Virginia University and is now a registered nurse at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. Allison is now continuing her education, working toward a master’s degree in nursing and a Family Nurse Practitioner certification. We spend a lot of time in Morgantown visiting her and going to football games. When I’m home, you can usually find me playing golf. That’s my main hobby. I also serve as a volunteer board member for the YMCA of Southern West Virginia, chairman of the board of the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center and a member of the executive committee of Region One Workforce West Virginia. WHAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOUR FELLOW BANKERS ABOUT YOU? I’m a lawn snob! My lawn is my sanctuary. I spend a lot of time taking care of it, and it has to be perfect. 6 WEST VIRGINIA BANKER
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