David Caswell
President and COO
Century Bank of Georgia, Cartersville
Chair, GBA Credit Committee
How long have you been in banking, and will you share a little insight with us about how you became a career banker?
I have been a banker for just over 25 years. As I was about to graduate from the University of Georgia with a major in accounting, I realized that I didn’t want a career as a CPA. I interviewed with a few banks and liked the idea of helping clients and underwriting credit. I joined First Atlanta just before the name change to Wachovia and went through its Management Associate program. In 1996 I had the opportunity to go to work for a community bank in my hometown of Cartersville, which is where I formed the relationships that ultimately led me to Century Bank of Georgia!
What are some leadership lessons you learned early on that you still use today?
Surround yourself with good people and trust them to do their jobs. The best and most talented workers do not want to be micromanaged. Also, during the Great Recession, I came across what is still one of my favorite quotes, “Hope is not a strategy.”
What is the biggest challenge for you as a banker right now?
I believe the changing delivery channels of how we do business will be our industry’s biggest challenge in the coming years. We are going to have to find ways to communicate with our clients through their preferred method, or we will lose them to more progressive alternatives.
What are some of the reasons why your fellow bankers should stay involved in GBA throughout the year?
The GBA is constantly providing up-to-date information about our industry. Its programs and communications are always timely and informative. The sharing of information between banks and the association year-round is important to the success of both.
When you’re not on the job fulfilling your Century Bank or GBA duties, what do you like to do?
It’s not a very exciting answer, but I spend all the time I can with my family. I have a fabulous wife and three great kids, ages 11, 9 and 7. While my wife hopefully will always think I’m cool and fun to be around, I know the kids won’t! I will have plenty of time to go back to my hobbies when they get a bit older, but in the meantime, I try to be as active with them as possible.