Chelsea Colclough, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
First American Bank & Trust Company, Athens, GA
Member, GBA Women in Banking Committee
Published Aug. 29, 2024
Q: What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today?
A: My very first job was as a nanny during high school for a local doctor’s family. I was responsible for picking up their three children after school, taking them to their sports events, and babysitting them regularly. They became like family to me. The doctor and his wife, who both worked long hours, were incredibly gracious and trusted me deeply—even at just 16 years old. I worked with them for eight years, right up until I graduated from college.
From that experience, I learned the importance of trust and responsibility. Taking care of someone else’s children is a significant responsibility, and the family’s trust in me taught me how to be a hard worker and to stay organized. If I wasn’t organized, then their lives were disrupted. That early experience instilled in me a strong work ethic and the understanding that my efforts directly impact others.
Q: What was the most useful piece of advice you received in the early/formative years of your career?
A: One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received came from my former boss, Dana Litman, who I worked for at Quantum National Bank for 12 years. He taught me several key lessons, the most impactful being: always take responsibility for your actions. Whether you’ve done something well or made a mistake, it’s crucial to own it. He emphasized the importance of patience as well—understanding that not everyone works at the same pace. He taught me the importance of doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Dana would often remind me that we’re all human and that mistakes are inevitable, but what matters is how we handle them.
Q: What is something you love about your job as a banker?
A: One of my favorite parts of being a banker is visiting all of our branches and getting to know our employees on a personal level. Although it’s not typical for someone in my role as CFO, I make it a point to visit each branch at least once a quarter. I believe it’s important to show our employees that I care about them. I often bring sweet treats or buy them lunch as a small token of appreciation.
This practice goes back to my time working as a nanny, where small gestures, like the doctor randomly filling up my car with gas, meant a lot to me. Building relationships with our employees is crucial because, after all, we spend so much time at work that our coworkers become like family. I believe that getting to know our team members and showing them that they’re valued is one of the most important aspects of my job.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: There are two things that might surprise people about me. First, I love running. It’s a way for me to clear my head and enjoy the outdoors, especially after being inside all day.
The second surprising fact is that I was on The Price is Right when I was 18 years old. I had just graduated from high school and was accepted to UCLA. During a visit to the campus with my mom, she suggested we attend a taping of the show. To our surprise, I was called down as a contestant—and I ended up winning a car! My parents were thrilled because they no longer needed to buy me a car after high school graduation.
Q: Book that you love/has made an impact?
A: The Bible. My favorite verse is Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Q: Pet peeves?
A: I believe that all food should be banned on planes, especially potato chips. The smells in such a confined space can be overwhelming. Also, I’m a stickler for punctuality. If you’re on time, you’re late—I always strive to be a little early.
Q: TV show or series you love?
A: I’m a big fan of Suits—Donna is such an amazing character, and I think she’d be incredible to hang out with in real life. I also enjoy Emily in Paris and Cobra Kai.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Go Dawgs!