1. What was your first job and what did it teach you?

I got my first job at a local John Deere dealership when I was sixteen years old. It was exciting for me because I had just gotten my license and could drive to work. I did parts and inventory for the John Deere equipment, including tractors and lawnmowers. It was my first time working with adults and learning what a work environment was like. It taught me independence and having responsibilities, like arriving to work on time. It was a great first experience.

2. What made you interested in the business administration field?

My interest in business was an inherent part of my personality. Even in childhood, I always had an interest in business. My dad ran a business and I was always fascinated by the payments coming in. When I was in elementary school, I wanted a date stamp and office supplies for Christmas. From a young age, I knew I was going to major in business when I went to college.

3. What skills have you found vital to your job at the Bank of Botetourt?

Communication has been vital. You have to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and you have to be able to communicate with happy and angry customers. In that same vein is public speaking, which I’ve done a lot of in my role.

4. How would you describe your leadership style?

I describe myself as a coach. Not only do I try to motivate the people who work for me, I find out what motivates them and what makes them engaged and passionate. I want to see everybody succeed, and when you can find out a person’s motivators, that makes for good results.

5. What have you learned so far as a GO Virginia Region 2 Council member?

I’ve been part of the council for six months, having joined in July 2021. I had my orientation and was able to get up to speed on the bylaws and current Region 2 projects. I joined at a good time because we were working on updating our Growth and Diversification Plan. During that process, I received a lot of insight into what the council is planning for the next few years and had the opportunity to give input as well. This past fall, I was also able to see how much Governor Ralph Northam allocated to our region for projects, so I’ve learned a lot in the few months I’ve been a member.

6. Are there any specific ways your work at the Bank of Botetourt has tied into your work on the Region 2 Council?

I think of banking as the lifeblood of a community, in regards to economic development. When we loan money to businesses or individuals, it helps the local economy thrive. The GO Virginia mission is similar, as the outcomes it’s aiming for – high-paying jobs for certain sectors – are going to drive growth in the community and attract talent. When there is high job growth, a positive trajectory follows, including a healthy economy, good schools, and low crime. Similarly, banking helps a community get on a positive economic path.

7. What would you like to see the GO Virginia Region 2 Council do more of in the future?

We are living right now in the Great Resignation. Everywhere you go there are Help Wanted signs. I participated in a Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond webinar last week, and the president of the Richmond Federal Reserve, Thomas Barkin, said the manufacturing sector needed jobs filled quickly to help solve the supply chain disruption. One of GO Virginia Region 2’s main industry clusters is manufacturing. It would be beneficial if our region and council could help generate those high-paying jobs and create match for where there is currently a big gap in the labor force. I'm eager to see if our work on the council can help alleviate some of those labor shortages we're experiencing right now.

8. Do you have a favorite part or memory from being on the GOVA Region 2 Council?

I've had two meetings, one virtually and one in-person. The in-person meeting was my first in-person meeting after about a year and a half of the pandemic. Most people had had an opportunity to get vaccinated and it was before the new variants caused disruption, so there were some in-person meetings during that time. It was exciting to be in a community type of forum and to have the opportunity to interact with other leaders in the Roanoke Valley, New River Valley, and Lynchburg region.

9. Who has been your greatest mentor and what did you learn from them?

His name was Watts Steger. He was the president and CEO of Bank of Botetourt when I was early in my career, and he took me under his wing. He led by example, teaching me good values to have in the business world and how to be a community banker. He was a proponent of lifelong learning and a proponent of continuing your education throughout your career. He instilled that same mindset in me. He also taught me the technical skills I needed for my job. I'm grateful for the opportunities I had under his leadership.

10. What is the most memorable place you have ever visited?

Buckingham Palace in London. I have a great memory of going there because I got to see the changing of the guards. While I was in London, I got to go on the London Eye and the Tower Bridge. I also got to tour the Crown Jewels of the Royal Family. It’s the only time I’ve traveled internationally, so it holds a special memory for me.