Spring 2024
Our annual employee picnic, known as Thisldu Day, is just around the corner! For Bryant Bankers attending for the first time, you’re in for a treat. All of our Bryant Bankers, and their families are invited for a great time of fellowship and fun including a BBQ lunch, fishing, jump houses, bingo, and snow cones.
New this year – only bankers attending the event will receive a free event t-shirt. All bankers are welcome to purchase event shirts for themselves and their family members. Please complete the Event RSVP and T-Shirt Order Form below to let us know if you are attending this year’s event and order your event t-shirt.
To help with planning the event and the distribution of our picnic t-shirt we ask that everyone complete the survey link above, even if you won’t be able to attend.
South Alabama:
- Lexi Farrell; Teller; Daphne
North Alabama:
- Melina Bartley; Teller; SE Huntsville
Operations:
- Victoria Mitchell; Loan Operations Filing and Utility Specialist
Information Technology:
- Brian Crooks; SVP/Director; I.T.
Capital Markets and Correspondent Banking
- Shawn Gillis; SVP Capital Markets and Correspondent Banking
- Erik Stahr; SVP Capital Markets Trader/Sales
Bryant Bank is proud of our rich history and our traditional way of banking. But as one of Alabama’s strongest community banks, we must continually renew our commitment to evolve while our industry evolves as well. We will find creative and authentic ways to help our customers get ahead in life while remaining true to who we are.
Laura Duke, Training & Development Director -Tuscaloosa, says, “Banking is such a traditional industry. It is tried and true and the culture that has been built by our Bryant Bank leaders is one that can and will stand the test of time. The great news, especially for someone in my role in Training and Development, is that our leaders are open to innovation. From our systems, to our policies, to growing our people, Bryant Bank is always looking for the best way to move forward. Everyone knows that doing that takes effort, and I love that I get to watch our bankers work every day toward achieving that goal.”
Hard work and dedication are important to the growth of the Bryant Bank family.
We are pleased to announce the following promotions!
West Alabama:
- Tracy Williams; Assistant Branch Manager; North River
- Haley Proffitt; Assistant Branch Manager; Downtown Tuscaloosa
- Denise Tierce; Senior Teller; Northport
South Alabama:
- Elaine Hunter; Senior Teller; Mobile
- Valerie Ellis; Senior Commercial Support Specialist; Mobile
- Carla Agee; Head Teller; Daphne
- Ashlee Stevens; Customer Service Representative; Daphne
- Jameka Dumas; Customer Service Representative; Foley
Central Alabama:
- Christina Simmons; Customer Service Representative; Trussville
- Kaylan Jones; Customer Service Representative; Greystone
- Bobby Humphrey; SVP Business Development; Hoover
North Alabama:
- Allie Atanas; Customer Service Representative; Huntsville
- LeAnne Biggerstaff; Senior Commercial Support Specialist; Athens
Compliance:
- Julie Nichols; VP Compliance Manager; Operations
Administration:
- Missy Tucker: Payroll & Benefits Specialist; Tuscaloosa Main
- Robin Wilkins; Training Coordinator; Hoover
Debbie Livingston celebrating 7.5 years
Denise Clements celebrating 18.5 years
Diana Smith celebrating 17 years
Debbie joined Bryant Bank in August of 2016 as an Investment Operations Specialist and spent her time in the securities portfolio management aspect of the banking business. Debbie has been incredibly committed to serving Capital Markets’ customers with their bond accounting and safekeeping needs. She plans to take many cruises and enjoy the beach as often as possible in her new phase of retirement.
Denise joined Bryant Bank at opening to manage Loan Operations, which began as a two person department. Systems had to be configured, procedures written, and she was the designated Compliance Officer. She successfully managed the growth and growing complexity of the area over the last 18 and a half years!
Diana joined Bryant Bank in January of 2007, right after the opening of the Foley branch. She spent 17 years at her Customer Service desk in Foley helping to build our Baldwin County market. Diana has been very excited to spend her retirement with her family!
Congratulations to our Bryant Bankers celebrating service milestones last year. These bankers were recognized in their individual markets in December of 2023.
Rebecca Mills
David Chesnutt
Susan Walker
Steven Ellis
Tameca Bivins
David Kindred
Amy Ulrich
Casey Dooley
Herman Stubbs
Tiffany Morris
Laura Duke
Haley Proffitt
Jameka Dumas
Kristen Culver
Laura Baird
Melissa Harris
Craig Stewart
Emily Burrage
Casey Hall
Heather Culpepper
Lauren Tatum
Janie Briggs
Angela Wellborn
Tracie Harris
Sally Noland
Kimberly Swords
Beverly Cooper
Carolyn Farmer
Connie Broadhead
Sheila Ray
Stephanie Novakovich
Robin Wilkins
The Bryant Bank senior leadership team, along with the Training and HR departments, hosted our second-annual Employee Appreciation Week this February. Throughout the week, Bryant Bankers fellowshipped with one another and celebrated with small gestures of gratitude. Regardless of your role in serving our customers- either directly or indirectly, internally or externally- you are all Bryant Bankers. Thank you for all you do!
South Alabama
Winners in Foley!
Robertsdale Rotary Club Literacy Project
Each year, Gulf Coast Media allows residents of Baldwin County to vote on their favorite businesses in Baldwin County. More than 400,000 votes were cast for these different businesses in 2023. Our Foley branch won the Best of Baldwin award. Congratulations Foley!
Rebecca Mills and Linda Buck with our Daphne office are both avid supporters of the Robertsdale Rotary Club literacy project. This year, they helped raise funds through a food booth at the Honey Bee Festival to purchase books for 360 students at Elsanor Elementary School. This fundraiser was so successful, they had enough funds leftover to also buy snacks to donate to the school.
Mardi Gras Fun
Thank you to our Baldwin County bankers for representing Bryant Bank and partnering with Goode Realty at the Orange Beach Mardi Gras parade. The tailgater cooking team provided lunch for around 300 people during the parades!
Robertsdale Rotary Rodeo
The Robertsdale Rotary Foundation hosted their annual rodeo March 8th and 9th. Rotary members and Bryant Bankers, Linda Buck and Rebecca Mills, spent many hours selling ads/sponsorships, working with vendors on equipment and organized a petting zoo for the children to support the foundation. Carla Givens and Tameka Jackson volunteered at the entry gate and concessions. Bryant Bank hosted a coloring contest for children attending the rodeo and the winner of the contest will receive a new bicycle! Proceeds from the event support the William F. Green Veteran’s Home in Bay Minette, student scholarships, and many other donations to surrounding Baldwin County organizations. Jim Solomon’s grandson, Will, says that he really enjoys watching the steer wrestling and believes that he can get out there and compete with the big boys!
Rainy Days Can’t Keep These Ladies Down!
When the rain comes down in South Alabama, the boots come out!
Central Alabama
Cowboy Day in Columbiana
The City of Columbiana has hosted Cowboy Day since 2008 and celebrates all things cowboy! There is live music, line dancing, corn hole tournaments, a wild west shoot out, and more. Our Columbiana bankers set up a great booth at this event with swag items and a raffle to give away one of our new insulated tumblers. Natalie Spott’s daughter, Allie Kate, had the perfect cow printed pants to wear to this fun event!
Shades Valley High School Financial Academy
Our Trussville branch hosted Shades Valley High School as a part of their financial academy. The students learned about several different topics including, the role Bryant Bankers serve in the community, important skills needed to work in the banking industry, job responsibilities of different positions, and what credit is and why it is important. After the presentation, the students participated in a Q & A with our Trussville bankers.
Senior Center Fraud Education
Gladys Beasley, Casey Dooley, Brook Roland, and Inella Torrance from our Columbiana office hosted a fraud prevention discussion with local senior citizens in early February. They provided great information and giveaways to help the senior citizens in the Columbiana area learn more about ways to stay vigilant online and keep their banking information safe. Way to go Columbiana!
Village 2 Village Run
Our Crestline Village bankers participated in the Mountain Brook Village Chamber annual Village 2 Village Run in early March by passing out cooling towels, hats and other treats to attendees. John Platt, with our Greystone office, placed first in the Men’s Master event. Congratulations John!
Exceptional Foundation Chili Cookoff
Our Birmingham team had a fantastic time at the 20th Annual Chili Cook-off benefiting the Exceptional Foundation at Brookwood Village in Birmingham. All proceeds from the event benefit programs at The Exceptional Foundation. The nonprofit was established to help those with intellectual disabilities in the Birmingham area and focuses on providing support for social and recreational goals not met by educational institutions or elsewhere in the community. Great job, Birmingham!
North Alabama
Movers & Shakers – Huntsville
Huntsville Private Banker, Kristie Ray was highlighted in the March edition of Movers & Shakers. Published by the Huntsville Madison County Chamber, Movers & Shakers features men and women who are making key differences in the businesses they serve in North Alabama. Congratulations, Kristie, and thank you for your outstanding commitment to the community of Huntsville.
Patterson Place – Dine With a Purpose
Diane Carrasquillo, Vice President in Huntsville, participated in helping Patterson Place, a non-profit organization in Huntsville dedicated to helping adults with special needs, at their recent Dine With a Purpose event. Patterson Place is a God-centered, innovative vocational community for special needs adults that provides meaningful work and a sense of belonging. Diane has been working with this organization since their opening in 2023. Dine With a Purpose was a sold out event that celebrated the amazing adults in this program!
Blossomwood Elementary School
Huntsville bankers Christy Smith and Diane Carrasquillo participated in the Blossomwood Elementary School Career Day. Diane and Christy spent the day with around 535 students, sharing fun facts about careers in banking. They also shared tips with the kids including how to keep their money safe in savings accounts and let them fill out deposit slips so the kids could “deposit” their play money.
Blossomwood Elementary School PTA also recently recognized Bryant Bank as a Blossomwood PTA Thrive Level Sponsor.
Huntsville Realtors Association
The Huntsville Area Association of Realtors hosted their annual Broker Summit in February. the event provided information to Brokers on key industry topics, trends, and issues. The Bryant Bank Huntsville team sponsored the event and our Mortgage experts and Huntsville bankers served on a panel to discuss the variety of industry-related topics.
West Alabama
Read Across America
New Hire Orientation: Culture Connection
Our Tuscaloosa Bankers supported their Adopt-a-School, The Alberta School of Performing Arts, during this year’s Read Across America event. Meghan Meeks with our HR Team, dropped off bookmarks to the students of TASPA to celebrate and foster the spirit of reading!
This February, our Training and HR departments hosted the first-ever, Culture Connections orientation for new Bryant Bankers. This training event will be hosted in different locations around the state each quarter. Attendees heard from several bank leaders about the history of the bank, importance of community involvement, branding and financial stewardship. They also learned more about their personalities and how they work best with others, reviewing their Myers Briggs results with Laura Duke.
Northport Bunny Trail
American Bankers Association: Washington Summit
Bankers from the Northport office had a great time decorating their egg for this year’s Bunny Trail! The Northport Bunny Trail features specially decorated eggs sponsored by local businesses and non-profits. Proceeds from the Bunny Trail are used to support programs and initiatives that serve the local community through the Junior League of Tuscaloosa. Jarred, an intern in the Main office is pictured here putting the finishing touches on this year’s egg.
Jill Slaton, Credit Underwriter in the Tuscaloosa market, had the opportunity to meet with representatives from Alabama and hear from national level speakers at the American Bankers Association’s Washington Summit in March. During the summit, bankers were encouraged to make their voices heard during a series of meetings with industry regulators and members of Congress.
Pictured left to right: Matt Whitaker- Farmers & Merchants Bank, Katie Britt – Senator, Jill Slaton – Bryant Bank, and President & CEO of Alabama Bankers Association – Scott Latham.
Tuscaloosa Krispy Kreme Challenge
Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Tuscaloosa Krispy Kreme Challenge to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama! Many of our Tuscaloosa team members, with their families, accepted the challenge and Max Karrh served as the event’s emcee. Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa Chili Cookoff
The Tuscaloosa team supported the Exchange Club of West Alabama at the 17th annual chili cookoff on February 10th. The Greatest Bank on Earth took home the award for “Best Booth” and served up homemade chili to the event guests. Over a thousand guests attended the event and all proceeds benefit local non-profits in West Alabama through Exchange Club giving efforts. Congratulations, Max Karrh, David Kindred, Faith Hendrix, and Audrey O’Neal for the “Best Booth” award!!
Tuscaloosa Heart Walk
The American Heart Association hosted its 100th annual Heart Walk at Government Plaza in Tuscaloosa on March 2nd. Our Tuscaloosa team of Bryant Bankers raised funds weeks before the event and welcomed guest at the Canine Café the morning of the event. The event raised over $200,000 for the American Heart Association and hundreds of community members joined the walk to raise awareness.
The Bryant Bank Marketing team is working on a special social media project and we need your help! National Pet Day is just around the corner, on April 11, and we would like to show some love to our extended family- our pets! Please send a photo of you with your pet to marketing@bryantbank.com by Monday, April 8 by end of day. We ask that these photos only include Bryant Bank employees with their pets. While we would love to showcase your pet along with your family, a photo release would be required for each individual who is not a Bryant Banker. We plan to use these photos in a fun slideshow/reel through our social media to celebrate our beloved animals.
Women Who Shape the State
For 11 years, This is Alabama has asked Alabamians to nominate women who have made a difference in the community and this year, Michelle Smart has been recognized as one of 25 Women Who Shape the State of Alabama for 2024! Michelle does an amazing job for Bryant Bank in her role as Director of Marketing and Communications and is so deserving of this recognition. Congratulations, Michelle!
Bright Idea Submission
Amy Childress in South East Huntsville received her gift card for a successful bright idea submission.
Amy submitted the bright idea to add copy machines behind the teller line in order to keep tellers form having to leave the teller line if there was a potential fraud situation. This way they are able to make copies of IDs and/or checks in order to get the information to others in a timely and safe manner.
The Bryant Bank Bright Idea program is designed to give employees the opportunity to submit suggestions that will have a bank or department-wide impact – Improvements that will make us more effective either in productivity, customer service or costs. Please be sure to discuss your idea with your supervisor or applicable department before submitting. Once submitted, the Bright Idea Committee will email you with an update.
Anderson Grace
Paxton Beau Crane
Laura Duke, located in Tuscaloosa, welcomed her first grandbaby, Anderson Grace, on January 16. She arrived weighing 7 lbs., 1 oz., and 19.25 inches long. Laura is enjoying snuggles and we believe she has already begun determining Anderson’s Myers Briggs personality type!
Megan Crane, located in Birmingham, and Justin Crane welcomed their baby boy, Paxton Beau, on Wednesday, January 10th weighing in at 7 lbs., 15.5 oz., and 20.5 inches long. Mom and baby are doing well!
Roman Audie Wood
George Christofer Todd
Kristie Kamplain, located in Tuscaloosa, and Thomas Kamplain are very excited to step into the role of grandparents! Roman Audie Wood joined the world on January 19th weighing 7 lbs., 12 oz., and 21.5 inches long. “KK” is soaking in all the snuggles.
Congratulations to Sarah Todd, located in Trussville, and Jarrod Todd on the birth of their son George Christofer. He was born January 12, weighing in at 7 lbs., 10 oz., and 20 inches long. Mom and Dad are so excited!
Emmett James Gray
Olivia Ann
Congratulations to Amanda Gray, located in Daphne, and Stephen Gray on the birth of their son Emmett James. Emmett was born March 6, weighing in at 7 lbs., 13 oz., and a full head of hair! Mom, Dad, and big sister Emma are over the moon excited!
Kevin McMahon, located in Tuscaloosa, has a new granddaughter! Olivia Ann joined the family on February 20, weighing 7 lbs., 8 oz., and 18 inches long. Pop is so thrilled to have another grandbaby to love on!
Charlotte Ray
Kristie Ray’s daughter Charlotte turned one on March 2nd. She definitely enjoyed her birthday cake this year!
Lilly Smart
Katelyn Proffitt
Michelle Smart’s daughter Lilly was recognized in the Tuscaloosa News for her exceptional skills in tennis! She is a rising talent establishing her spot in the Tuscaloosa County High School number 2 seed, as a freshman. She was also recognized at Tuscaloosa County High School as a Core Leadership Athlete for her academic and athletic performance.
Haley Proffitt’s daughter Katelyn recently represented Hillcrest Middle School at the UCA National Cheer Competition at Disney World. Her cheer squad was the first ever squad to compete for Hillcrest Middle School and they made it to Nationals for the very first time! Mom is very proud of Katelyn and her team for the countless hours they put in practicing for this competition.
Stroll Magazine Feature Story: Rosie Bensinger
Please remember to use your Employee Credit for Bryant Bank apparel and SWAG items! New this year- all employees have received a $75 credit (previously $50) to use in the employee store. Along with the increase, several new branded apparel items have been added to the storefront. Don’t forget to use your employee credit before the end of the year!
