Ken Bibb
President, the Geo. D. Warthen Bank, Sandersville
GBA Secretary / Treasurer
How did you get into banking as a career?
C&S bank, which had a strong management training program, hired me after college. At C&S, I was able to get great training in various areas of the bank and develop my leadership skills. I was quickly hooked on making a difference in my community and in people’s individual lives. Even with all the changes the industry has gone through, banking continues to be a rewarding and fulfilling career for me.
What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today?
I worked at a full-service gas station in high school. It taught me the value of service and how giving a little extra effort for every customer can make a big difference in where people choose to do business. It was also hot in the summertime, and I learned the value of getting an education that could lead to an inside job with air conditioning.
What is the biggest challenge at your bank these days?
Dealing with the constant pile on of regulations that have no real benefit to the customer or safety of our bank.
How does your involvement in GBA help you and your bank?
I don’t know how you can be successful in banking without a strong network of peers, and being involved with GBA has provided me with an invaluable network of great bankers to call on and learn from in this constantly changing industry. And, GBA is our number-one, go-to resource for education and training for the entire bank, from tellers to senior management.
When you are not at work, what do you like to do most?
Spending time with my family and making great memories with our children. We also love to travel when we are afforded the opportunity.