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IBA Member Spotlight: Traci Gregory

Gregory’s Second Career Success

Untitled 4Traci Gregory joined County Bank in Sigourney looking for a second career opportunity. She came in with no prior banking experience but had a strong interest in finance. Within her first five years at the bank, she advanced from a part-time teller to retail banking manager, BSA officer, and head teller. She wants to remind people that, “We are never too old to learn something new, and if you are brave enough to make that leap, you may surprise yourself with the opportunity that life provides you.”

Gregory enjoys the ever-changing nature of banking. She feels she is able to learn and grow every day because each day is different. She has seen regulatory changes, technology changes, and faced various challenges and responsibilities. She added, “The changes that we have seen with the advancement of digital banking has changed day-to-day interactions with our customer base, and I am excited to see how the industry continues to evolve.”

When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?

Banking is a second career opportunity for me. I came into the industry midlife, with no prior banking experience but an interest in finance. Within my first five years, I went from a part-time teller to the position that I am currently holding. I enjoy the customer relations part of my job and the training opportunities that I get to host for our team members. It is deeply rewarding to work with the talented people in my department and to lead them in growing their banking knowledge along with my own. Collaborating with various communities across the bank’s locations has allowed me to connect with our diverse customer base, helping me refine my customer service skills.

What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?

I would encourage anyone that is considering a career in finance to look into banking. This is a technology advanced career path, with regulatory changes, challenges and responsibilities that will continue to be ever evolving within the industry. The changes that we have seen with the advancement of digital banking has changed day-to-day interactions with our customer base, and I am excited to see how the industry continues to evolve.

What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?

Banking is an ever-changing industry with rewarding possibilities to learn and grow each day, making every day different from the day before. You will continue to enhance your knowledge of personal finance while educating those around you. The banking industry is known for its stability, and it offers a good work-life balance.

How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?

Being involved with the IBA has helped me gather the knowledge I need to continue growing my career while improving my leadership skills for myself and my bank. I stepped outside of my comfort zone when I enrolled in the 2023 IBA Leadership Institute. However, it was a wonderful experience and learning opportunity. I’ve also attended several IBA classes, each of which offered a wealth of information and excellent networking opportunities. I am currently sitting on the Compliance School Advisory Board and am very excited to see where this opportunity leads me.

When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?

When I am not at work, I love spending time with my family, especially my 2-year-old grandson. I enjoy traveling with my husband and taking our side-by-side to different states to explore the trails.

What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?

“You are braver that you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”

– Winnie the Pooh

I would tell my girls this while they were growing up, and I believe it holds true for all of us. We are never too old to learn something new, and if you are brave enough to make that leap, you may surprise yourself with the opportunity that life provides you.