Laura P. Rosser, CRCM, CAMS
Chief Compliance Officer & CRA Officer, SVP
Renasant Bank, Johns Creek
Group 5 rep., 2021-2022 GBA Compliance Committee
Q: What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today?
A: My first job was as a cashier at Eckerds Drug Store when I was 16. I also worked in the cosmetics area stocking and assisting customers. Although it was not my career path, I was proud of the job and never missed work. I would even work overtime on holidays like Christmas and New Years. I worked there for several years before going off to college. That was where I developed my work ethic, and I have always given 100% in every job I have had. My daughter just started her first job after college, and she recently gave me a birthday card that said “You are my role model. You’ve taught me strong work ethic, faith, love, kindness and more.” All of those things are important, but a strong work ethic will take you a long way.
Q: What led you to a career in banking?
A: I graduated from UGA with a degree in finance. Right before graduation, I attended a government career fair right and submitted an application to the FDIC, which had a huge stack of applications. Several weeks later, I decided to call to see if they had hired for all the available positions. He pulled my application out of the large stack and invited me to come in for an interview. I would not have been offered the job if I had not called that day!
Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing professionally?
A: There have been times when I had to take a step backwards in my career due to personal choices or bank mergers, but I was always able to get right back where I started and move forward again.
Q: If you could thank someone for becoming the professional you are today, who would it be and why?
A: I would thank my supervisors at the FDIC for giving me opportunities to learn new roles, which gave me the experience to take my career to the next level each time.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: I have a seven-year gap on my resume. Between my 11-year career at the FDIC and later moving into the banking world, I took seven years off to be a stay-at home-mom, and I don’t regret that decision at all.