Cheryl Winfrey, SHRM-CP
Vice President/Human Resources
Bank of Dudley, Dublin, GA
Member, GBA Human Resources Committee
Published April 23, 2025
Q: What led you to a career in banking?
A: After graduating high school, I worked at a pants factory in Wrightsville, but I knew that wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Banking offered a path for growth. I applied for a job in bookkeeping and worked my way up through the ranks. I’ve been in banking for more than 30 years now.
Q: What was the most useful piece of advice you received in your career?
A: Be confident in your abilities. Resilience and persistence are key—if there’s something you want, go after it. And just as important, maintain your work/life balance or you’ll get burnt out.
Q: Tell us about one experience you’ve had that exemplifies being a banker or your role at the bank.
A: Out of all the positions I’ve held, human resources has been the most rewarding because it’s all about being there for people. I have the daily ability to relate to people throughout the Bank in all roles, from teller to customer service to lending to branch manager, to back office, due to my experience in the many different roles I have held in my banking career.
Q: If you weren’t working in banking, what would you be doing?
A: I actually considered going into the nursing field early on. I think the desire to care for people has helped me in my current role in human resources.
Q: First tap/click of the day?
A: My phone to make sure I have not received any missed texts or calls for staffing, etc.
Q: Podcast you recommend?
A: The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast
Q: TV show or series you love?
A: 9-1-1, and this year, Survivor! The season airing now is great.