Pub. 5 2016 Issue 4

21 w i n t e r | 2016 I was recently asked by a group of young bankers, what has made compliance so incredibly complex? That’s a great question and it’s re- ally very simple. As the deficit of personal and professional character has ravaged our country, the need to legislate ethics, to dictate in detail how to “do the right thing,” has exploded. It’s time for us to rekindle our gratitude for a country built on the cornerstone of valu- ing each and every individual and embracing the beautiful diversity of our neighborhoods. It’s time for us to figure out what needs to be changed to move forward with strength and opportunity. I cut my “professional teeth” on banking beginning at the young age of 15! I am in awe of every person that finds a calling beyond serving themselves and selfish issues alone. I am amazed everyday by teachers that mold lives and consciences, medical practitioners that give relief and repair, soldiers, mothers and fathers that protect and prepare their children, factory workers, food servers and store clerks that work tirelessly to earn a living and feel the pride of independence. And yes, bankers that serve their customers, not just their executives or shareholders. Banking has always been a calling for me. It has always been about taking care of your neighbors, your family, and your community, large or small. Thank you Mr. Murray, my first bank president and a WorldWar II veteran, for schooling me in the values of banking, not just the regulatory requirements. I still remember and am inspired by your actions and your compassion, the feeling of family among our employees that I loved when I went to work each day. We were there to make a difference and to laugh together. I still hear you, Mr. Murray. I am constantly inspired by Nelson Mandela’s quote, “There’s no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than you are capable of living.” Wow. How can we sit back and do nothing to shape the future into the very best it can be after absorbing those words and their legacy? We are at yet another significant cross- roads in our industry and in our country, certainly not the first or the last we will face. So much speculation and angst swirls around us - what will change, what will be thrown out, what will remain? Rather than wreaking havoc simply because it’s possible, let’s move forward together thoughtfully with careful consideration of what works, what never worked, what can work. Let’s swing the pendulum back to center slowly. It’s time to gracefully guide the pendulum back to center and stop reeling from overreaction. It has been my privilege to serve the VACB’s Compliance Forum for the past four years. We pool our resources, our ideas and our experiences to continually raise the bar on our banks’ compliance performance. We understand that we are under siege on so many fronts, but we absolutely refuse to back down. When you believe in something, you have to put everything you have got on the line. This is almost every day in the life of a com- munity bank’s compliance team’s life. There are so many changes being implemented along with incredibly challenging new and differ- ent rules, regulations and expectations. As we approach the coming year, know that I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you as community bankers committed to rebuilding our country’s financial legacy of honor. If you have not already, I hope you will join us and strengthen our efforts by your presence, your participation and your insight. F E A T U R E