Jessie Ledford, PHR, SHRM-CP
Assistant Vice President, Human Resources and Marketing Director
Rabun County Bank, Clayton, GA
Vice Chair, GBA Human Resources Committee
Published Feb. 6, 2025
Q: What led you to a career in banking?
A: My undergraduate degree is in marketing, and when I graduated from college, I didn’t want to leave my hometown, so I started applying for jobs at the local banks in the area. I started out at Community Bank & Trust in Cornelia working in the bookkeeping department. When a position opened in marketing, I made the move, and the rest is history!
Q: What was the most useful piece of advice you received in your career?
A: I had a leader early in my career that would often tell his team we needed to pause and look in the mirror. At the time it didn’t resonate how important self-reflection is to growth. You cannot truly grow as a leader until you have the self-awareness of your own obstacles you need to overcome to be able to successfully lead others. I find myself quoting him often now with a little chuckle in my head at the young version of myself who didn’t quite get it at the time.
Q: Tell us about one experience you’ve had that exemplifies being a banker or your role at the bank.
A: HR pros are often the least favorite employees see coming their way, but we are also their biggest advocates in times of need. I had an employee once who had a terminal illness and didn’t want to take the time away from work to care for herself. It was a matter of pride. We had many conversations about life and time away and truly what is important. After that employee passed, I met her spouse. He thanked me. He had heard my name and stories of our conversations, and he said that, without my guidance, he didn’t know if he would have had that time with his wife. In times like that, it is difficult all around, but it showed the impact you can have on someone by just taking the time to listen. It was humbling to me as well and a reminder that I am here to always listen.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: I am extremely shy. I hide it well and always seem to put myself in situations that make me uncomfortable!
Q: Book that you love/has made an impact?
A: I read A LOT…more than I should admit. But one of my favorite authors is Mary Kay Andrews. Her quirky stories based in Georgia always make me laugh!
Q: Most used app?
A: Sadly for my bank account, Amazon.
Q: TV show or series you love?
A: The Big Bang Theory – this is a family favorite in our house.