Bill Hogan
Senior Credit Officer
Northeast Georgia Bank, Lavonia, GA
Group 9 rep., Leadership GBA Board of Directors
Q: What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today?
A: My very first job was the paper route I had at age 11. I learned how to budget and collect because I had to pay for the newspapers out of the subscription fees I collected.
Q: What led you to your career in banking?
A: I was a pre-law student and planned to enter law school after completing my bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in history. I decided to gain some work experience before applying to law school, so I interviewed for loan officer position the year I graduated from college. I missed out on that position but fortunately connected with the same bank a couple of years later. Once I learned the ins-and-outs of my job, I realized a career in banking was for me.
Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing professionally?
A: Coming up in the bank, I always heard “access to credit is the life blood of the community,” a notion to which I subscribe wholeheartedly. As such, throughout my career, I gleaned a great deal of satisfaction seeing projects the bank supported thrive. Typically, those projects represent job creation and progress, and they have always been a source of pride to me.
Q: What drives your involvement with Leadership GBA?
A: I believe in the mission of Leadership GBA. Throughout my career, GBA has been a go-to resource for me and the bank. I have attended countless training sessions, the Georgia Banking School and several conferences. I currently participate in a Leadership Roundtable and serve on the Leadership GBA Board. I can’t overstate the value of the personal connections and networking opportunities afforded me through the GBA. The exchange of ideas and best practices with Roundtable colleagues is also highly beneficial.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not at the bank?
A: In my free time, you can find me chasing a golf ball, wetting a hook and/or cheering for the Dawgs.