Cory Burdette
Group 5 Rep., Leadership GBA Executive Committee
SVP-Financial Institutions Group
Atlantic Capital Bank
Atlanta, GA
Q: What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today?
A: My first real job was when I was 15 and worked for Kroger during the summer bagging groceries. Both of my parents worked full time and made it known that if I wanted spending money I would need to earn it. They instilled that mentality in me from an early age, and I am very thankful. From my first job, I learned the real value of a dollar, a sense of pride in working and doing a good job, customer service, and how to engage in conversation and good people skills.
Q: What drew you to banking as a career, and what has kept you there?
A: I never had aspirations to be a banker. After college, I got a job in banking with BB&T in Macon working as a retail relationship manager. I worked hard and didn’t make much money, but I was happy. Within a year, I was given an opportunity for advancement and was selected for their management training program. It was during that time that I realized I could have a career in banking and was exposed to all aspects of the industry. After I finished up the management training program, I was assigned to be a branch manager and retail loan officer. After a year in this role, I became engaged to my wife and began seeking another opportunity to be closer to her in Athens. I always felt drawn to the business/commercial side of banking, so after a year of working in a retail branch environment, I transferred and accepted a position as a business banker in Athens. I really enjoyed the role as I got to work with different types of clients and businesses and felt I made a difference. To me, banking is all about relationships and truly knowing and understanding your customer’s needs. Although I am no longer a lender or work with business and commercial clients, I always take this approach with my clients. Being at a bank that works with other banks, I know and understand their business, what they need and the impact they have in the communities they serve. I take pride in that and love what I do.
Q: How has involvement with GBA and its educational programs affected your career?
A: Being involved with the GBA has been very important to my career personally and professionally. I have either been a member or associate member for almost 10 years now and have developed many relationships and friendships I know I will have for a lifetime. When I joined Atlantic Capital Bank three years ago, I knew how important the association was to the bank and our management team as our Chairman Sonny Deriso once served as Chairman of GBA. About a year ago, I wanted to get more involved with the association and began talking with my managers and the good people within GBA about how I could serve. I am grateful to be playing a larger role within the GBA leadership group and excited to have been nominated to serve as the Group 5 representative.
Q: If you weren’t working in banking, what would you be doing instead?
A: I’ve always felt the call to serve others and was very close to enrolling in the military during 9/11. I have several family members who served in the Army and Marines and would probably have taken that route if my parents didn’t insist I finish college first. I have also always loved sports and could see myself being a coach and mentor to young children. Now that I am a father, I enjoy coaching my sons’ games and helping them learn how to succeed and overcome obstacles.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: I’m an avid outdoorsman and love spending time outside, whether I’m hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating, playing golf or mountain biking. Any chance I get, I love to be outside and active. About two years ago, my wife and I decided to live a healthier lifestyle and take better care of ourselves, so we are now passionate about working out, staying in shape and eating healthier. We have twin boys that are seven and our youngest son is five, and all three boys keep us on our toes and have a lot of energy. We realized we needed to be in better shape not only to keep up with them but to set an example as well.