How did you start your banking career? My dad was a vice president and director at Greenbrier Valley Bank, so I grew up surrounded by the profession and its people. My actual career began as a bank examiner with the State of West Virginia. After a three-year stint, I accepted a position with One Valley Bank in Greenbrier County. Shortly after One Valley was acquired, I was recruited by Tom Bulla to come to First National Bank, where I spent nine years before returning as a bank examiner in 2010. In January 2013, I accepted a position at The Bank of Monroe, then became President in October of that year. Are there any individuals who had a major impact on your career? As I mentioned, my dad was a career banker and a great person and role model, but as far as other people enhancing my career, I would say Tom Bulla was very instrumental in helping me during my time working with him and even through his retirement. I also have to mention Sally Cline. Meet Your Chairman Jim King, Bank of Monroe She and I met when I was a bank examiner the first time, and she provided great assistance and guidance years later by allowing me to return to my position as a bank examiner to reset my personal life and career path. She has been a great friend and ally over the years. Lastly, knowing and having a personal relationship with Jack Rossi since I was a child has also greatly benefited me. What is the best professional advice you have received? I don’t know of any particular piece of advice that stands out, but I have learned much about the ins and outs of the profession through my affiliation with West Virginia Banker’s Association and our Top Net group. It has allowed me to develop a network of peers and friends I can rely on for leadership and advice. What has been the most rewarding part of your career? Being allowed to lead a community bank in the town where I grew up has been a great honor. Also, helping people obtain a loan can be the most rewarding thing you can do. I have had people come to me years later thanking me for helping get them started in life with a first loan or first home loan. What do you think will be some of the dominant trends in the banking industry over the next five to 10 years? Bankers will need to adapt to all types of digital presence and find ways to serve customers more efficiently and effectively. The self-checkout method implemented by Walmart will spill into our industry at a more rapid pace. Partnerships with fintech companies will be essential, as will branch transformation. I believe there will be additional bank consolidation, but I am not convinced it will be for the betterment of service and the communities we serve. Why is being a member of the WVBA important? We are a voice for West Virginia bankers on both state and national levels. Bankers must have a voice at the Capitol; we provide that through our WVBankPAC and the Association. My involvement with the Association has also allowed me to be active with the American Bankers Association’s Community Bankers Council and the Federal Reserve Bank’s CDIAC group, where I have been able to meet with and learn from President Tom Barkin and other community bankers in the Fifth District. How long have you been active in the West Virginia Bankers Association? I became president of The Bank of Monroe in October 2013, and shortly thereafter, Joe Ellison stopped by to talk about the Association and offered me a spot on the Board. I was overwhelmed with the role I had been put in, but his invitation was truly an honor I gladly accepted. The West Virginia Banker’s Association is happy to introduce its members to our Chairman, Mr. Jim King of The Bank of Monroe. His charm and candor, along with his vast banking experience, make him an excellent selection as chairman, and we believe you will enjoy this interesting interview he graciously provided for us. wvbankers.org 8 West Virginia Banker
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