Pub. 12 2021 Issue 1

Pub. 12 2021 I Issue 1 Spring 9 West Virginia Banker What are some of the things that stand out about Alan’s career? In the 45 years that Alan worked here, he has been the CEO for 20 of those years. He has guided us through some difficult years in a very steadfast way. There were some economically challenging years for community banks, but Alan kept his head down and went to work. There’s a lot to be said for that. Many others may have reconsidered their choice of careers — in fact, many did. But Alan never wavered, and as a leader, that was key. He was steady, so we were steady. Alan has served on the boards of the Community Bankers of WV and the WV Bankers Association, as chairman of both organizations. He also served a three-year term as board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond from 2011 to 2013. He has been active in the Chamber of Commerce for Hampshire County, Hardy County Community Foundation, Region 8 Planning & Development Council, and as a board member of Cacapon & Lost Rivers Land Trust. We were in Washington, D.C. a few years back for a meeting. I was driving and Alan was the navigator. What struck me was that as he was navigating, it wasn’t just about the next turn or the next traffic light; it was about the next two. I was struck by how easy it was to drive through unfamiliar territory when you have someone who is good at navigating to guide you through. Alan can guide me through anything, and I suspect that I am not the only one who feels that way about him. What have you learned from Alan? When times get tough, I will emulate Alan. He’s a great exam- ple of a leader for me. There’s strength in just showing up and doing the job. I think one of the things that stands out about Alan for me is that he is present. Wherever he is, there he is. When he engages with anyone or any situation, he is focused and present, which is a gift, and people know it. Tell us about Alan’s family? He is very much a family man: two sons, a daughter, four grand- children. A big highlight of his life is those grandkids. He loves to be with them. He also loves Sunday family dinners. He likes to be active outdoors. No matter how busy things were at the bank, he always had time for his family. I need to emulate that. I don’t want to miss anything, and Alan was a great mentor when it came to the ability to know what was important and when. I think that is probably the biggest tes- tament to Alan Brill — he has the ability to recognize what is important and the strength of character to go all in. Those of us that worked with him knew it, and so did his customers.  Alan has served on the boards of the Community Bankers of WV and the WV Bankers Association, as chairman of both organizations. He also served a three-year term as board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond from 2011 to 2013. He has been active in the Chamber of Commerce for Hampshire County, Hardy County Community Foundation, Region 8 Planning & Development Council, and as a board member of Cacapon & Lost Rivers Land Trust.