Brad Barber
Chief Executive Officer
First National Bank of Decatur County, Bainbridge
How did you get into banking as a career?
I started my banking career as drive-in teller while I was in college. I also worked in collections, customer service and sometimes as the switchboard operator. I got exposure to some great bankers who took an interest in me, and that’s when I decided I wanted to be banker when I “grew up.” After graduation I was offered a position in the C&S Management Program.
What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today?
My first “official” job was bagging groceries while I was in high school. I learned then how to serve others in a way that I still try to apply to every aspect of life today – approach everything with a servant attitude.
What's your favorite part of any given day at the bank?
My favorite part of the day is the interactions I get to have with the folks around me. It’s great to engage with teammates, customers and friends of banking who want to see you be successful.
You’re a Trustee for the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. Why is it good for a banker to attend or for executives to send someone to the school?
The
Graduate School of Banking at LSU has earned a reputation as the industry’s premier graduate school. For more than 50 years the school has been a major provider of advanced financial education in the United States. You know the old saying, “To be the best, learn from the best.” The many, many graduates of the program in Georgia’s banks today can tell you the experience at GSB will prepare you for a bright future in our industry.
OK, so how does the Georgia Banking School fit into the mix, then, for the career banker?
It’s a stepping-stone, complementary type program. The
Georgia Banking School is a key component for those seeking to be a leader in the banking industry. This school provides first-level managers the opportunity to see all aspects of banking. Each year, the graduate of distinction gets a one-year scholarship for the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.
When you are not at work, what do you like to do most?
I just love spending time with family in a lot of different ways.