Susan Cosper
Vice President/Corporate Operations Manager
Ameris Bank, Moultrie
Chair, GBA Operations and Technology Committee
How did you get into banking as a career?
I began my banking career at ABC Bancorp (now Ameris Bank) 23 years ago in the Remote Print area. I was responsible for coming in early to print and prepare the “green bar” reports for distribution to our banks and operations areas. This was long before email and optical systems were readily available. I also spent time working in every other area of our Operations Center, including 10-key proof, running the sorter to process checks and cash letters, statement production and working the “non-post” report, etc. I worked my way through the ranks and was promoted to various positions over the years including deposit support representative, core applications manager and enterprise program office manager.
What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today?
My uncle was a farmer, and my first job was working tobacco on his farm when I was in the third grade. I worked there every summer until I graduated from high school. There are many lessons I learned from the tobacco patch that still serve me well today. I learned how to work hard and that hard work builds strong character. I learned teamwork; everybody has a part to play and you have to work together to get the job done. I learned perseverance; the work had to be finished each day no matter what issues came up or how tired you were, and that you had to come back the next day whether you wanted to or not.
What’s the most important technology or operations challenge for your bank right now?
I would say the biggest challenge is the speed at which things change and trying to stay a step ahead of fraudsters. It seems that new technology becomes available every day, and it can be a challenge to keep up. Just about the time you implement a new system or product, a new and improved version comes along. Regulatory demands are also a challenge.
How does your involvement in GBA help you and your bank?
GBA is a wonderful organization with many valuable resources. Serving on the Operations/Technology Committee has been a great experience and has allowed me to see firsthand how committed GBA is to providing leading-edge conferences, speakers, training, support and timely updates on current events in the regulatory and legislative areas. Being involved with GBA has helped me and my bank by providing great networking opportunities and helping me get to know other bankers I can collaborate with on issues that we all face in the banking world. The schools and conferences are always on-point with current, relevant topics and speakers who are industry leaders. I am so excited about the sessions and speakers for Operations and Technology Conference March 1-3. I encourage everyone to register and attend if you haven’t already done so. You will be amazed at the wealth of information you will receive and the networking opportunities!
When you are not at work, what do you like to do most?
I love spending time with my family, and I’m very involved with my church. My husband is a classic car and Corvette fanatic. We love going to car shows and riding with the top down in his ‘64 Stingray. And, when time allows, you can find me on the beach!