Jay B. Forrester
Group 10 Rep., GBA BankPAC Board
Regional President
South State Bank
Augusta
Q: How did you get into banking as a career?
A: I grew up knowing that I wanted to be a banker. My father is a banker, so I watched his career from a young age and realized that it was something I would like to do. I really admired how he interacted with the community and was involved in helping so many individuals and small business owners realize their dreams.
Q: What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today?
A: One of my first jobs was working in the mail room at C&S bank during the summer. I learned how to build relationships, provide quality customer service and do my job to the best of my ability, no matter what that job happens to be.
Q: When you think of the future of the banking industry in Georgia, what makes you concerned and what makes you hopeful?
A: I’m concerned that young people today may not consider banking as a career. It is vital that bankers stay involved in their communities, spend time in schools and recruit top-quality talent to the industry. That said, we are fortunate to be in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation and bankers are a huge part of that equation. Bankers are here to provide access to capital and to help customers save for their futures, so I believe banks will always play an important role in the growth of this state and country.
Q: As a member of the GBA BankPAC Board, what value do you think the BankPAC brings to the industry?
A: The BankPAC is a major part of what we as bankers do to promote business and growth in this state. It is vital for all bankers to give back to the industry by supporting pro-business and pro-banking candidates in Washington and our communities. Giving time to serve our communities is important, but it is also important to serve our industry. I can’t think of a better way to do that than by contributing to and supporting the GBA BankPAC efforts.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: I enjoy mountain climbing and back country skiing in Montana.