Keith Anthony
Forsyth Division President
Persons Banking Company
President-Elect, Leadership GBA Executive Committee
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?
A: I would have to say that my parents have made the biggest impact. When I was growing up I saw the hard work and sacrifice that my parents put in so that I would have a better opportunity than they did, and I am forever grateful for their effort. They instilled in me a work ethic that has always caused me to push myself a little bit harder, achieve a little bit more, and to try to prepare for whatever may be thrown my way. Luckily, I married a person who saw that drive and has been supportive and understanding as I am always setting another level to get to or goal to achieve.
Q: What’s your favorite part of any day on the job at the bank?
A: Interacting with customers, learning about their businesses or families and trying to help them solve the issues keep them up at night. Bank products or processes may have changed through the years, but today’s generation of bankers have gained valuable knowledge and experience throughout the last downturn that they can offer to customers to help them to be successful. It is a great feeling to be able to recommend and explain possible solutions and see the relief in a customer’s expressions knowing that someone cares about and understands the problems that they are facing.
Q: How does involvement with Leadership GBA help you and your bank?
A: Being involved with Leadership GBA has given me exposure to bankers throughout the state, who are able to share ideas, learning experiences, current trends, and even losses in some situations. The shared experiences of what worked or didn’t work, and how those situations were addressed, have allowed us all to gain from each other and helped us be better bankers and act in a manner to better protect our Shareholders and Customers.
Q: Leadership GBA will be hosting the always important BankPAC Classic later this month on Oct. 18. Why is it important for our members and other affiliates to participate?
A: Compliance costs have soared throughout our industry in the past 5-10 years. Every day we are addressing new policies and regulations that have been put in place by others with the intention of protecting the groups that they represent, without concern for the costs and implications to our industry. GBA is our voice in those arenas, and we have to be able to fund that voice through efforts such as the BankPAC Classic.
Q: When you’re not on the job at the bank or fulfilling your Persons Banking Company, GBA or other civic duties, what do you like to do?
A: My wife, Kimberly, and I spend most of our time enjoying whatever our kids are involved in! Our days go from soccer to baseball to horseback riding to church activities to college visits for our high school senior. We love to be outdoors for just about anything – hiking, hunting, sports, you name it.