Aiyana L. Newman, CRCM, CAMS, CACTS
Vice President, Compliance Manager, Enterprise Risk Management
Cadence Bank, Macon
At Large, 2021-2022 GBA Compliance Committee
Q: What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today?
A: My first job as a teen was working in a small jewelry store in the Macon Mall. It was my first introduction to working in customer service and to the value of building relationships. This helped prepare me for future service-oriented roles, including banking.
Q: What led you to a career in banking?
A: Shortly after college, I was offered the opportunity to complete Bank of America’s management training program. I hadn’t previously considered banking as my career path, but suffice it say, it stuck!
Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing professionally?
A: I’ve worn several hats in my banking career and have been fortunate enough to help build several successful, high performing teams. I’m especially grateful for many of the relationships that have been created in the process.
Q: If you could thank someone for becoming the professional you are today, who would it be and why?
A: I’ve been fortunate to have learned from a lot of great people in my career. I would have to place my mom at the top of the list. I learned a strong work ethic by following her example. I’ve also had some great managers, including my current manager. She has a vast amount of knowledge which she openly shares with our team.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: No one is as surprised as I am that my career path led me to compliance. It’s definitely not where I believed banking would take me, but I have come to embrace this role and find it suits me rather well.