Barry N. Lyle
President and CEO
Bank of Dawson, Dawson
GBA Board of Directors, Group 3
How did you get into banking as a career?
After graduating from the University of Georgia, I decided to pursue a career in agricultural lending and began working with FSA in Dawson. After five years, I joined the Bank of Dawson as a vice president and have remained with the bank for the past 29 years.
What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned that you still use today?
My first meaningful job was supervising mostly high school and a few college workers one summer on a construction job. I was a junior at the University of Georgia and had never really been in a position to supervise other workers before. That summer, I learned that managing people is much more than just barking out orders. Respect must be earned and communication skills are essential.
What's your favorite part of any given day at the bank?
My favorite part of the work day is when I am drinking the first cup of coffee finalizing the agenda for the upcoming day.
How does involvement in GBA help you and your bank?
GBA provides an outlet for education that is critical for rural banks. Georgia Banking School, BSA training and compliance courses are a few examples of the educational opportunities our bank has taken advantage of. The political advocacy of GBA is second to none. Banks in Georgia are fortunate to have the leadership in GBA that we do.
When you are not at work, what do you like to do most?
I try to walk after work at least two miles a day with my wife, and if hunting season is in, you may find me in a deer stand or shooting birds.