Finance Association Hosts Morris Bank
On February 7, the Finance Association kicked off its Spring 2024 guest speaker series by hosting John Roach and Brannen Smith of Morris Bank. John is the Bulloch County market president of Morris Bank’s Statesboro Main location. He holds a BBA in finance from Georgia Southern University and has more than 20 years of banking experience. Brannen holds a BBA and MIST from The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and a masters in banking from LSU. He has been a banker in the Statesboro/Bulloch County area since 2005.
Brannen and John began by presenting a short history of Morris Bank, the paths that led each of them to their current careers, and how the banking industry has changed during their tenure. Brannen shared his experience with Georgia Banking School classes, the value of a post-graduate education, and the importance of a healthy work/life balance. John provided early career advice—particularly stressing the value of punctuality, good work ethics, communication skills, being able to plan ahead, working in a team, and handling professional “failures” and obstacles. Both presenters then discussed recent bank failures (e.g., Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, First Republic) and how Morris and other banks have managed their exposure to credit and bond risks to remain strong regional institutions.
The event concluded with a student question and answer session. Question topics included the advantages and disadvantages of community banks over large investment banks, what college does (and does not) prepare students for, external risks for community banks such as fraud and identity theft, and systematic risks like the 2008 banking crisis and COVID-19. Students then shared with John and Brannen what they look for in an employer. Common wants were work/life balance, work environment, salary, and promotion opportunities.
Morris Bank has served its customers since 1954 and is proudly celebrating their 70th Anniversary this year. The currently serve Middle and South Georgia across nine locations and seeks to be the first choice for financial services in all communities in serves. Morris Bank’s core values demonstrate its commitment to sharing banking information openly, honestly, and appropriately to serving its customers.
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