What are you looking forward to most as the Chairman of the WVBA? I look forward to working with the board, expanding our presence with our state leaders, and ensuring West Virginia banks continue to have a voice. I have also been tasked, along with other members of our Board, with finding a new leader for the organization, which will be extremely important for our future. Do you have any advice you would give emerging leaders in the banking industry? Be adaptive to change, never quit educating yourself, find a peer networking group, and enjoy what you do. Tell us your favorite memory or experience of your career. No one particular memory stands out, but as I mentioned before, helping someone purchase a home is at the top of the list. I also enjoyed my time as a bank examiner, which for better or worse, allowed me to see how other bankers operated, which greatly benefited my career. My most rewarding experience was working with FHLBank Pittsburgh to develop a grant program to help flood victims finance new homes after the devastating floods of 2016. I was given an award in 2017 by the Affordable Housing Advisory Council by FHLBank Pittsburgh for The Bank of Monroe’s involvement in the aftermath of the floods. What is something about you that might surprise fellow bankers? I learned from my mother and grandmothers the art of cooking and canning, and with my Blackstone and Pitt Boss, I have expanded my craft to the expense of my waistline. 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 BanPac and the Association. I probably think I am a better cook than I am. I also own a John Deere track loader and enjoy cutting brush with it at our farm. Tell us about your family. And do you have any special interests or hobbies or contribute to any specific charitable organizations? Linda and I have been married for 29 years and have three children, Griffin, 25, Karly, 23 and Kyle, 20. For 20 years, our days and nights were spent on ball fields or dance competitions, but now we stay at home a lot more with my grand-dog Kate, our English Setter. We have a 240-acre farm in Greenbrier County that we own with my family Jim and Jean King and my sister Kim has a house on the property. The farm is used mostly for growing an abundance of deer and turkey and other wildlife for hunting purposes, as well as providing a place to shoot skeet and our other guns. I spend fall Saturdays with football, usually making the trip to Morgantown to attend a WVU game or watching college football on TV. At one time, I was an avid golfer, but banking got in the way of that. Hopefully, I can start back again soon. What advice would you give someone considering entering the banking industry? There are so many paths you can take, and I recommend you explore several areas to see where your skillsets lie. If you are in college, I would do what I could to obtain an internship. I also believe that being a bank examiner or auditor can give you a leg up as you see so many different banks and methods of doing things. The training provided by the banking agencies is second to none. I credit that advanced training to much of my success over the years. Pub. 13 2022 I Issue 3 Fall 9 West Virginia Banker
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw