Pub. 9 2020 Issue 1

Getting to Know: VACB’s 2019 Rising Star Co-Recipient – Keith Smith, Village Bank, Midlothian Title: VP, Branch Manager Education: Longwood University- two years each of Business Manage- ment and Communication Studies Averett University – Business Management classes Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management, Class Vice President What drew you to banking? I started working as a part-time teller during college sum- mers and then kept working during my fourth year at Long- wood. All my classes were in the morning and I worked 1:30-7. The bank was 45 minutes away in my hometown of Powhatan, so I would drive back and forth every day. When I wanted to learn more and become desk trained, I had to look elsewhere; unfortunately, that bank didn’t have opportunities available. Once I got hired by Village Bank, it went from there. Best business decision: Applying for a job at Village Bank with Joy Kline! Then go- ing to Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management courtesy of Village Bank. A mistake you learned the most from: Not finishing college and the way I handled that time of my life. I look back now and realize I could/should have made different choices at certain times. It certainly taught me not to go 75% of the way and stop. I hope to one day finish out the few courses that I need to earn all my credits for a degree. I’m grateful for all the opportunities that have come to me since and all the educational courses in the financial realm I have been able to take part in and complete. What goals and aspirations do you have? To someday get into upper management on the retail banking side. I have always preferred to work closely with my clients, especially with the lending aspect. Someday though I will be ready to change (banks) even though I already have a lot of customers telling me I can’t go anywhere. The greatest source of inspiration: In general, my parents for how they were able to succeed in their careers and raise three children. However, for banking it was my mentor from Village Bank, Tuck Pulliam. I was for- tunate to work with Tuck, who saw promise in me and openly shared a lot of his banking knowledge (40 plus years’ worth) along with personal advice. I am proud to call him a great friend now even though he is retired. We keep in touch often and I still reach out to him if I need advice. When not at work, how do you like to spend your time? Playing with my children/family. The children are starting to become engaged in team sports and its fun being a part of that, coaching and teaching them. I am also an avid deer hunter, so children’s sports in the late winter, spring and sum- mer, and out in the woods during the fall and early winter. We also enjoy time at the pool or lake during the sum- mer. My wife and I went on our first cruise last year and look forward to a few more of those. 9 s p r i n g | 2020