As the current CFTEA Board President, I often reflect on the question: How did I get here? From Student to Instructor to Board Member to Executive Board Member to Board President, it has been quite a journey. CFTEA gave me the tools and resources I needed to grow my career. I now get the opportunity to give back and help others do the same. I have come full circle!

At the start of my career, as a recent college graduate, I recognized the need for additional, specialized education that focused on my role as a retail banker. I looked to the American Institute of Banking (AIB), a predecessor to CFTEA, to fill that gap. The concept of “Bankers Teaching Bankers” intrigued me as I wanted the perspective of a Banker to give me the “why” and “how” the course content impacted my position in the financial services industry. I was hooked after my first class! The content was relevant and immediately applicable. The bonus was having the chance to network with class participants from other community banks.
After many years as a retail banker, I transitioned to a Learning and Development role. As a Corporate Trainer, I discovered my lifelong passion: to help others realize their potential and develop the skills needed for success. I relied on CFTEA as a training course/content provider to address performance gaps, stimulate professional growth, and stay current on the trends impacting the financial services industry. CFTEA courses were always relevant, the delivery options were flexible, and the costs were reasonable.
At a turning point in my career over 24 years ago, I became a CFTEA Instructor. Family needs made working fulltime a challenge. However, I still wanted to use my experience to guide other bankers along their career paths. As a CFTEA Instructor, I teach a variety of courses designed to improve banking “IQ” and enhance professional skills. My goal for each course I facilitate is to help students “connect the dots,” so they understand how the course content applies to their role, their bank, and the community they serve.

I recognize with gratitude how CFTEA helped me to achieve my career goals. Access to a network of training professionals, committed to the development of the next generation of bankers, is just one of the benefits I enjoyed over the years. As Board President, I am challenged, humbled, and privileged to lead individuals committed to “making a difference” in the lives of those our organization serves: Community Bankers and Community Partners. Thank you CFTEA!

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