Diane Clegg
Marketing Director
Georgia Primary Bank, Atlanta GA
Member, GBA Marketing Committee
Published Aug. 15, 2023
Q: What led you to a career in banking?
A: I grew up in a small town where the main bank was the pillar of the community. I remember as a young girl going into the bank with my mom and being in awe of the beautiful building with high ceilings and huge columns. From that moment I wanted to be a banker.
Q: What was the most useful piece of advice you received in the early/formative years of your career?
A: In my first job in bank marketing after college, I did a lot of writing (and still do). My boss taught me to never assume that the audience knows what you are referring to. I have never forgotten that and always try to explain the situation first.
Q: Tell us about one experience you’ve had that exemplifies being a banker or your role at the bank.
A: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the whole PPP process, we proudly sponsored a program with 680 The Fan (a sports talk radio station in Atlanta) called Small Business Spotlight. Every week the talk show hosts would interview a small business owner to see how they were coping and what they were doing to keep their business running. We were able to get a lot of our own customers on-air exposure, which in turn helped their businesses. One such story involves one of our customers whose company ships pies all over the country. She mentioned on the radio show that the company had shipped pies to every state in the country except Hawaii. After the show aired, someone called her business and ordered a pie to be shipped to Hawaii so she could now claim they had shipped to every U.S. state.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: A few things come to mind: I have owned chickens in Buckhead (loved the fresh eggs), I have a side business where I buy and sell vintage and antique items, and I am a true foodie who loves to try new flavors and new restaurants.
Q: Book that you love or has made an impact?
A: To Kill A Mockingbird – I read this in 8th grade literature class. We then watched the movie. I have yet to read a book that I think is a better story or lesson.
Q: Pet peeve?
A: Incorrect grammar and bad manners. My mother was a school teacher and was always correcting my grammar when I spoke. I in turn did the same for my children, and now they thank me. I think manners get you ahead in life whether it is in your personal life or your professional life. I am a stickler for good manners.
Q: TV show or series you love?
A: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I loved everything about this show - the story line, the character development, the aesthetics (the colors, her clothes) and the fabulous mid-century props (going back to my side business, many of the props I sell to this day). I hated to see that show end.