Renee McCullar, CRCM
Senior Compliance Manager
BankSouth, Greensboro, GA
Member, GBA Compliance Committee
Published Aug. 3, 2023
Q: What led you to a career in banking?
A: I found my way to the banking industry during an uncertain time in my career when I needed to start over. A little background -- After completing college, I began working as a regional manager for a property management company in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 14 years later, I decided it was time for me to return to Georgia to be near my family, so I moved to Greensboro and got a job at the Ritz Carlton at Lake Oconee. After five years there, my position was eliminated and moved to Marriott corporate. When that happened, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take professionally. While I was figuring out what I wanted to do next, a friend of mine asked me to help as a hostess at her restaurant, where I was fortunate to meet a bank mortgage officer who offered me a job as a loan processor. He introduced me to the Chief Lending Officer of their affiliate bank, and the rest is history! I started out as a loan processor, then into quality assurance and loan fulfillment management before eventually working in compliance, where I have served for almost four years. I’ve enjoyed being able to gain experience in many different areas of banking.
Q: What was the most useful piece of advice you received in the early/formative years of your career?
A: My first manager often reminded me of a Teddy Roosevelt quote, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” At the end of the day, people may admire how much you know and how well-versed you are in your field, but they will remember you for how much you cared for them. When people know that you care, you begin building the foundation of trust, and trust-based relationships equal success.
Q: Tell us about one experience you’ve had that exemplifies being a banker or your role at the bank.
A: Being involved in the PPP loans back in the spring of 2020. It was all-hands-on deck, and seeing how our bank team came together to meet the needs of our customers and community was amazing.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: I showed and competed in western horse shows growing up – great memories!
Q: Most used app?
A: Weather.com. I’m a weather nerd.
Q: Podcast you recommend?
A: Fox Hunter (true crime)
Q: Pet peeve?
A: People that are obsessed with their cell phones and can’t stay off them!