Pub. 9 2020 Issue 1

The CommunityBanker 8 Rising Star Getting to Know: VACB’s 2019 Rising Star Co-Recipient – Jera Kiser, First Sentinel Bank, Richlands Title: HR/Training Coordinator Education: I received my Bachelor of Business Ad- ministration fromKing University in 2010. What drew you to banking? I have been drawn to banking for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my Granny. Every week I would go with her to her local bank. She always let me hand the teller money to put into her accounts and took time to explain transactions to me and how money worked. I loved it! While other children were playing house or school, I was always the kid that wanted to play “bank.” My mom and dad even bought me fake money and something that was meant for puppet shows that I fashioned into a teller window. As I got older and understood the purpose of a bank, I realized that it wasn’t just a place to store money. It was a place to form relationships and to help people build dreams and lives. I wanted to be a part of that. Best business decision: My best business decision has been stepping outside of roles that I have been comfortable in and into jobs that forced me out of my comfort zone. A mistake you learned the most from: The biggest mistake I’ve made over the years is not asking for help when I have needed it. It took me a long time to realize that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness and that it is OK to call in reinforcements. First job after college: I was able to maintain employment through First Sentinel Bank as I pursued my bachelor’s degree. When I graduated from King University, I was working in the Credit Department as a Loan Processor. What goals and aspira- tions do you have? My biggest goals are to keep learning and helping others. I have been blessed to have so many opportunities to learn about the different aspects of banking and how everything works together. No matter what position that I could ever hold in the future in any field, I will not feel as though I have accomplished my purpose unless I am continuously growing and helping others succeed. The greatest source of inspiration: My previous job roles have allowed me to get to personally know mem- bers of my community, as well as my co-workers. Everyone has a story and personal or financial goals. There is nothing more inspiring to me than hear- ing those stories and seeing the joy the people around me experience when they reach those goals. Anything you would have done differently? I wouldn’t change anything. I am thankful for all the experiences I have had during my career, both good and bad. Every day has been a great learning experience! When not at work, how do you like to spend your time? Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. My husband and I love fishing on the weekends. If we aren’t fish - ing, we are trying out new restaurants or enjoying time at home.