Judy Kiefer To Retire After 45 Years in Local Banking
This holiday season is extra sweet for one VCNB banker who will retire at the end of the year. Commercial Lender Judy Kiefer will end her 45 year career in banking on a high note, leaving behind a legacy of helping business customers achieve their goals.
Judy was fresh out of high school when she went to work for a local bank. Since then, she has been a lender and an assistant branch manager. When she came to work for VCNB in 2018, she joined the bank family as a Commercial Lender and has stayed busy helping business customers in Jackson and Vinton counties ever since.
The Jackson native has a quiet, understanding demeanor that encourages customers to feel comfortable working with her. That ability to listen is a vital skill in her line of work.
“I enjoy helping others, especially commercial lending and being able to meet a businesses’ needs. To do that, you need to be a good listener and be able to think outside the box to come up with creative ideas. The customer may think they know what they want but sometimes we need to suggest ways to help them achieve their goals,” she explained.
She said agricultural lending is her favorite, perhaps because she started her career in that area. “Maybe it’s because that’s where I’m most comfortable because I know the ins and outs. Whether they’re a part time or full time farmer, you have to understand their operation and how their payments can meet their cash flows. That’s a little different than other areas.”
Judy also has some ties to the farming community. Her father was a part time cattle farmer and Judy grew up loving animals, particularly horses, which remain her passion today. In fact, one of the things she most looks forward to is spending time trail riding.
She also anticipates more time with her grandkids and relaxing by the pool on a hot summer day. “I am looking forward to having some down time and being able to do things at my own pace. I’m about ten years behind in my housework!” she laughed.
What advice does Judy have for someone who wants to do her kind of work in addition to those good listening skills? “Find good mentors and listen to them. Keep an open mind and look for ways to think outside the box so you can help your customer better. Just because something looks like it might not work, doesn’t mean it won’t it may just mean we need to work a little harder to find an avenue that will work. People are people, not numbers and sometimes there’s a good reason why the numbers don’t look good. We can still try.”
“It’s been fun. I wished I could have had more years at VCNB because it has been a very enjoyable place to work but I’m at peace and ready for this change. It’s going to be good. I’m excited to have time to slow down and enjoy life more. It really is going to be good.”
Judy will retire a year end and will celebrate with her coworkers and friends next Monday. Congratulations and best wishes Judy! We will miss you!