Amanda Marunich
Vice President, Human Resources Manager
Pinnacle Bank, Elberton
Chair, GBA Human Resources Committee
Q: How long have you been in banking, and will you share a little insight with us about how you became a career banker?
I started in banking in 2000. After finishing college, my first job offer was Customer Service Representative for Regions Bank. I decided at that point that I loved serving my customers and serving my community in the banking industry. I spent seven years with Regions before joining the best community bank in Georgia, Pinnacle Bank! I’ve been here 10 years and held many different jobs: CSR, Loan Processor, Lender, Assistant Branch Manager, Executive Assistant to the President, Internal Audit Liaison, and Human Resources Manager.
Q: What are some leadership lessons you learned early on that you still use today?
Banking is about working together as a team, and each role is so very important in making a bank run successfully. It's important to recognize that the differences that we all bring can be a great strength to the companies, customers and communities we serve. Even in reaching out to the statewide level, GBA is a great way to come together as one team of banking professionals to build perspectives and knowledge that you might not otherwise have access to.
Q: Who gets the most credit for driving you to succeed and grow as an individual? From the beginning until now; who has made the biggest impact?
My mom and dad taught me early on to care about people, work hard at anything you do and trust God for my path to success.
Q: What are some of the reasons why your fellow HR pros should attend GBA’s HR Professionals Institute Feb. 22-24?
Human Resources is a very demanding area. The conference is a great way to refresh, renew and refocus. The time spent getting to know other bank HR professionals helps build relationships that you can call on for expertise and daily support on the job. The programs are well planned, with timely topics and useful information you can take back to your bank to better your company.
Q: When you’re not on the job fulfilling your Pinnacle Bank or GBA duties, what do you like to do?
I love spending time with family: My husband, Scott, and three children, Haylee (13), Hayden (10), and Hadley (6). I also serve on the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and our family worships and serves at Rehoboth Baptist Church in Bowman, Ga.