Before the financial crisis in the 1980s, working as a banker brought respect, admiration and opportunity. Woodbury entered the banking industry in 1982. The 1980s were tumultuous for the banking industry, with high inflation, rising interest rates, high energy costs and political turmoil. “Well, in the ‘80s, you know, [the banks] were vilified. There were other people, other customers that highly respected the banks because they did what was necessary, and it helped protect their business,” Woodbury said. When the financial crisis hit in 2007 and 2008, banking and bankers once again were portrayed as villains in the media. However, during the crisis, banks were doing everything they could to help their customers stand on steady financial ground. “Community banks were caught up in the backwash of the 2007-2008 investment banking and housing crisis. So they were portrayed in the media as being part of the problem and not as what they really were: the solution to the challenge that was being faced throughout the country,” Woodbury said. As NBA Chair, Woodbury represents bankers across Nebraska. He desires to give back to the industry that has supported him during his over 40-year career. He intends to accomplish this by advocating for the banking industry at all levels: local, state and national. At a local level, Woodbury has a passion for connecting with future bankers at the high school and post-secondary education levels. He also speaks to area organizations that seek financial literacy advice. On the state level, he is engaged with Nebraska state senators and regulatory agencies regarding rules and regulations that impact the banking industry. Federally, Woodbury is committed to outreach with elected officials when the opportunities arise, sharing firsthand stories and examples of how proposed and current laws and regulations impact NBA members. During his term, his main focus is to address the challenges related to the shrinking labor pool and attracting new employees to the industry. “We need to continue to work towards developing a workforce program and recruitment tool that benefits all of our banks throughout our state. We face a challenge in the banking business that’s just like everybody else that owns and operates businesses in the state, and that’s that the labor pool is small. We’ve got to attract people to the industry,” Woodbury said. To kickstart Woodbury’s goals of attracting new talent to the banking industry, the NBA launched the “Bank on Your Future” initiative this past May to better connect with students of all ages and share the diverse range of career opportunities available within the banking industry. He hopes bankers across the state will mentor students and help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. “This challenge is not just a responsibility of senior management or HR — it’s something that every one of us can, and must, contribute to. We can all visit schools to talk about the diverse range of careers. We can mentor students and offer internships to give them a taste of what it’s like to work in our industry. Mentoring and developing the next generation of bankers benefits all of us. It’s time for us to give back to the industry that has given us all so much,” Woodbury said. Woodbury also commented that bankers are well-positioned to have a positive impact on the communities they serve. And one of the best parts? As a banker, you help 9 Nebraska Banker
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw