Pub. 9 2018 Issue 3

Fall 2018 9 West Virginia Banker What are you looking forward to most as WVBA Chairman? I am looking forward to working closer with the associa- tion’s leadership to continue making a positive impact for its members. The WVBA is a very important organization, not just for the banks in West Virginia, but for the economy in West Virginia as well. It is a common voice of a power- ful force. The WVBA is a team of seasoned professionals, that we all can be proud, is working hard for its members – whether it is advocacy, professional education, or adding value to its members through partnerships such as Compli- ance Alliance or WVBA Insurance Group. What do you see as your biggest challenge this year? As the number of banks in West Virginia continues to de- cline due to mergers and acquisitions, the association has positioned itself to continue to be meaningful to its mem- bers. This has been, and will be, a challenge, but I am very encouraged by the vision of WVBA’s leadership as plans are in place to introduce an exciting new partnership in the coming months and the staff is continually thinking about ways to add value to its members. The association needs to be vigilant with its communication to and from the membership so that we are fully aware of the services and/or products that the members want and need. Whether it’s professional development, concern of pending legislation, or product discounts, we would love to know so that we can do our best to provide it. How long have you been active with WVBA? My first involvement with the WVBA was with the banking school 30+ years ago. I have tangentially been involved my entire career, but it has only been in the last five to ten years that have been more active with the association, particularly in regard to the legislative days. What is something else you would like to accomplish? I am just honored and humbled to be your Chairman this year. I don’t look and have never looked upon things as being any personal accomplishment. Progress happens when people work together with no concern as to who gets credit. Your West Virginia Bankers Association is in fantastic shape coming off a fabulous year under the chair- manship of Todd Clossin. Thank you very much Todd. He left the association in a better state than he received it and my goal is to do the same thing and to work with Sally and her staff to continue the legacy built by so many chairper- sons over the years. Our firm is independent and community focused like the banks we choose to serve! Our team is seasoned and dedicated! Our service approach is first rate! 888.272.7351 ♦ SEK.com Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS & CONSULTANTS What is something about you that would surprise fellow bankers? I have three brothers and one sister. All five of us graduat- ed from Marshall University, and all five of us were fortunate enough to have opportunities to stay and raise our families in this great city and this great state where we still live today. What is one piece of advice you would give someone entering the banking industry today? My wife put a sign on our mantle at home. It says, “Don’t be afraid of change. Be afraid not to change.” Banking products and services are delivered so differently today than they were just a year or two ago. One just has to look at Sofi, Acorns, or even Rocket Mortgage to evidence that. My piece of advice would be to not become complacent with the status quo and to continue to learn and understand the rapidly changing landscape of delivering financial services. We must adapt individ- ually, and as an industry, or we will be left behind.  Banking products and services are delivered so differently today than they were just a year or two ago. One just has to look at Sofi, Acorns, or even Rocket Mortgage to evidence that.