Kyle Stonecipher
Vice President, Chief Lending Officer
West Central Georgia Bank, Thomaston, GA
Central Group Rep., Leadership GBA Board of Directors
Published Jan. 16, 2025
Q: What led you to a career in banking?
A: Honestly, I just fell into it. I was a recent graduate from college that moved back home and was looking for a job. I saw an ad in the paper for a loan processing position that was open at WCGB and the rest is history. I started on the teller line and progressed through the departments to now being the Vice President, Chief Lending Officer. Now, it’s hard for me to think of doing any other profession.
Q: What was the most useful piece of advice you received in your career?
A: It may be simple, but it has helped me tremendously in a small community bank: treat everyone how you want to be treated, because you don’t know what path they’ve had to walk. This goes a long way in community banking because we see all walks of life. Being able to listen and help customers from each walk of life is an amazing thing that community bankers get to do each day.
Q: What exemplifies being a banker to you?
A: Being a part of a small community bank and being able to accommodate our local business and industries in day-to-day operations is an amazing feeling. Without our local businesses our town would suffer, so being able to help them day in and day out is one of the greatest examples of the importance of community banks.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: When people ask where I was born and I say "Oregon," it really gives them a confused face. The next question always ends up being: "How did you get to Georgia?" or "What brought you to Georgia?" I never really lived in Oregon except for a few months after I was born, though.
Q: First tap/click of the day.
A: Strava. It’s a fitness app that I use to monitor my runs and workouts. I like to see what everyone has done the day or week before. I use it as a competitive tool to keep me going.
Q: Most used app?
A: I would have to say Instagram. I enjoy seeing friends' and family members' updates through photos and stories.
Q: TV show or series you love?
A: I don’t watch very much TV, but I love sports, so there is always a game or Sports Center on one of the TVs.