You were installed as chairman during the MBA|VBA Joint Convention in June. Tell us why the role of VBA chairman is meaningful to you.

This role is meaningful to me because I strongly believe that a thriving and vibrant banking sector is to the benefit of all banks. The VBA’s mission at its core is to achieve that common objective.  Having the opportunity to be in this leadership role allows me to broadly serve the industry that I’ve dedicated the past 40 years to—it’s been all of my professional and adult life.  In addition, it underscores my bank’s commitment to the mission of the VBA and the industry as a whole in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  I view this leadership opportunity as both a privilege and an honor and I’m looking forward to continuing to move this industry forward in the grand tradition that my predecessors have established.  My goal is to leave it better than I found it.

What was your path to becoming a banker, as well as your path to your current role?

I became a banker directly out of college 40 years ago when I started as a manager trainee with my predecessor bank called Sovran Bank.  That program positioned me well for growing my career in a dynamic and growing environment.  My banking “development years” were during the era of merger mania.  We were acquiring or merging with another financial institution every 3-4 years.  Change was a constant.  I changed roles every 2-3 years which allowed me to take on more leadership and development opportunities.  I got to this while staying in the community where I was born.  That was also rare in the industry.  I found my niche when I was given leadership responsibilities in the corporate affairs and corporate social responsibility sector of the bank.  This work has evolved and grown over the years and I’ve enjoyed helping shape and develop it along the way.

What are some of the most important values or principles that guide you in your role, and how do you communicate those to your teammates?

The bank operates under a core set of values that we live by each day; deliver together, act responsibly, realize the power of our people and trust in the team.  I embrace those values and try to model that behavior in every interaction I have with my teammates.  In addition, I remind my teammates of our core values on a routine basis so that we remain steadfastly committed to those key principles.  I appreciate the fact that we operate under a common set of values and hold each other accountable to demonstrating those values.  Our industry is built upon trust.  We must never lose sight of that crucial fact. 

Tell us about a leadership insight you wish you had learned earlier in your career.

I personally believe in validating people—I make it my goal to validate at least one person each day.  Everyone wants to be validated, and valued and feel they matter and that they have something to contribute.  I make sure my teammates see and feel their value and contribution to the team.  It draws people closer to you as a leader and to one another on the team.  I have found that once people know and feel they are validated, they come together in a more cohesive manner and they work towards a common goal and objective much more quickly.  It builds camaraderie and allyship.  Who have you validated today?

What do you consider your biggest leadership strengths, and how do you leverage them to drive success in the banking industry?

Validating people. Providing a positive and energetic work environment. Strong communicator.  Connecting people.  Bonding with people.  Valuing levity.  I don’t take myself too seriously; however, I take the work seriously.  I meet people “where they are,” which allows them to be their best selves in the workplace.  I build diverse and inclusive teams, which allows for a rich tapestry of experiences, ideas and representation.  I want my team to reflect the diverse markets we serve.  Clients appreciate it, and they expect it nowadays. 

How do you prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in your leadership approach and promote a diverse and inclusive workplace culture?

DEI is extremely important to me because I know that a diverse team that demonstrates inclusion is a reflection of the world and communities we serve.  Having diverse and broad perspectives on a team makes you stronger, better and more effective.  It sets you up for success—it’s smart for business.  As I indicated in the last question, diverse teams are no longer a “nice to have”; there are must-haves.  Clients expect it.  It can set you apart from the competition for good or for bad depending upon your diversity index score.  Lastly, younger generations coming into the workforce are looking to join teams that are more diverse and inclusive and that strive for equity.   It’s a talent play.  It’s no longer a nice to have; it’s a must-have.

When you think about the future of the banking industry, what keeps you up at night and what makes you optimistic?

The future of banking is both exciting and a bit scary as you think about how the advances in technology are transforming our industry at warp speed.  The impact of AI will be fascinating to watch in the coming years as it becomes more and more a part of how we deliver for our clients.  Our clients demand and expect the latest and greatest technological capabilities.  However, they still want to speak with and meet with a human to get banking advice and counsel.  As an industry, we must never lose sight that we will always be a people-centered business and technology is just a tool in our vast toolbox—it can’t and won’t be the end-all-be-all.

How do you stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in banking and leadership, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your leadership strategy?

I read industry journals, and I get access to research that comes to me from my Bank of America sources like our Institute and our Bank of America Academy.  I strongly believe that a person must be a continuous learner to stay apprised of this fast-paced world in which we live.  I try to incorporate what I learn and read into my daily practices and routines in order to stay current, informed and relevant. 

In what ways do you view the VBA as an indispensable resource - both for yourself and for other VBA members?

VBA has so many resources for its members to leverage; most notably its stellar government relations capabilities and the impact they have with the Virginia legislative body.  The VBA recognizes that there is “power in numbers,” and they leverage that power to the fullest.  This “indispensable resource” that the VBA provides our industry affords us with respect, influence and thought leadership that many legislators rely upon.  The VBA is a stellar banking association, and it is viewed as “best in class”.

What is something about you that would surprise our readers?

I love taking hot yoga classes—Bikram discipline.  It’s a “hot” blast.

My favorite…:

• Music or musical artist:  Smooth Jazz & Gospel
• TV Show/Series: Most Netflix series.
• Book: Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson
• Work item (tool/program/news source) you cannot live without: My bank iPhone
• Place in Virginia to enjoy some time away: Smith Mountain Lake
• VBA event or memory: Every Annual Convention
• Part about being a Virginia banker: Helping clients meet their financial goals.