Melanie Silvestri
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Rabun County Bank, Clayton, GA
Member, GBA Women in Banking Committee
Published July 22, 2024
Q: What led you to a career in banking?
A: I am a proud second-generation banker. After I graduated from the University of Georgia, I took a job as a teller at a community bank until I figured out what I wanted to do. I was given several opportunities there and after a couple years ended up in the credit department. I quickly found a passion for underwriting and data. I continued that passion until I eventually became a credit officer in the Atlanta market. I truly felt a partnership with lenders and with the small businesses we were banking. After several mergers and acquisitions, I found myself at a much larger institution. I really longed for that community bank relationship. Serendipitously, two key members of the executive management team at Rabun County Bank wanted to retire. I had a long talk with my dad and decided it was time to “come home”.
Q: What was the most useful piece of advice you received in the early/formative years of your career?
A: Terry DeWitt, Division President, Atlanta, SouthState Bank, “Two intelligent people can disagree” and Randy Harris, retired Market President, Midtown Bank, “You catch more vermin with syrup”. Both helped it click with me that it was too important to me that I was always “right”.
Q: Tell us about one experience you’ve had that exemplifies being a banker or your role at the bank, such as a service story that really helped a customer or a quirky story.
A: At Midtown Bank, a client was expecting a very large check and it was somehow misplaced. Payroll was due and the client’s line was fully drawn. The lender was out of the office, so the client called me. I prepared an increase request and called our board loan committee to request approval. We were able to obtain approval and increase the line that day. The client was so appreciative of the nimbleness of the bank and remained a client for many years.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: I have attended the world’s largest heavy metal festival, Waken Open Air, in Germany
Q: First tap/click of the day?
A: Daily Mail
Q: Podcast you recommend?
A: SmartHerNews with Jenna Lee Babin or Moms and Mysteries
Q: Pet peeve?
A: Unpunctual people