Q: Tell us about your career background.

A: I got into banking thanks to my brother, who’s also in the field. My journey started in 2012 at the University of North Alabama, when a professor suggested I apply to First Metro Bank. That led to my first banking job. Since then, I’ve held several roles and now serve as assistant compliance officer and CRA officer.

Q: How do you set yourself up for a productive day?

A: I thrive on checklists. The satisfaction of crossing off tasks energizes me. I also rely on my close-knit team for support, brainstorming and problem-solving.

Q: Take us through a typical workday.

A: My day depends on the most urgent task. Sometimes, it’s tackling check fraud; other times, it’s board reports or unexpected issues. I usually start by checking emails, reviewing unresolved tasks and setting priorities.

Q: What resources are essential to your work and success?

A: I use FIS for our core system, Verafin for alerts and reporting, Excel for various tasks, and Word and Adobe for procedures and policies.

Q: What’s one challenge you are currently trying to solve?

A: Check fraud is a major challenge impacting many customers. We’re always working on better ways to protect their funds. It’s tough, but we’ve seen a decline and hope that it continues.

Q: What is the best advice you have for others in your role?

A: Keep learning, don’t settle for “just enough” and surround yourself with positive influences.

Q: What do you value most about attending ICBA’s Compliance Institute or its other conferences?

A: The networking is incredibly valuable. Connecting with peers brings fresh perspectives and solutions. The educators are also top-notch and have helped clarify complex topics.

Q: How has your designation affected your career and role?

A: Through ICBA, I earned the Certified Community Bank Internal Auditor (CCBIA), Certified BSA/AML Professional (CBAP) and Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer (CCBCO) designations, each supporting a different stage of my career. CCBIA built my auditing foundation, CBAP deepened my knowledge of currency transaction reporting and customer identification program, and CCBCO focused on key community bank regulations. Each one strengthened my expertise and provided valuable resources.