The Grant County Bank and Highlands Bankshares, Inc. has announced that Shawna Musser, assistant vice president, compliance, security, and Bank Secrecy Act officer at Grant County Bank, and Sarah Nottingham, financial officer for Highlands Bankshares, have successfully completed their first year at the West Virginia School of Banking.
The program, sponsored by the West Virginia Bankers Association, is a weeklong intensive course designed to enhance leadership and technical skills of emerging banking professionals. Participants receive in-depth training on key topics in banking, economics, and finance.
George Ford, president and CEO of The Grant County Bank, emphasized the importance of these types of educational opportunities for staff development.
“We believe the knowledge gained at the school, combined with the ability to network and collaborate with peers, will enhance Shawna and Sarah’s careers and prepare them with the necessary skills to lead the bank in the future,” Ford said. “This program strengthens their understanding of various banking topics and deepens their appreciation for how the different areas of the bank are interconnected.”
Established in 1944, the West Virginia School of Banking has provided a challenging curriculum to banking professionals across the state. The two-year program offers formal instruction through lectures, case studies, home-study problems, and group discussions administered by faculty with exceptional teaching qualifications and extensive professional experience.
Musser, who has been with the bank for several years and was recently promoted to assistant vice president, compliance, security, and BSA officer, said the West Virginia Banking School coursework helped her gain a better understanding of the bank’s inner workings.
“I’ve learned how every department plays a vital role in making the bank successful,” Musser said. “I’m excited to apply this knowledge and look forward to future years at the West Virginia Banking School.”
Nottingham, who transitioned into banking after a successful 20-year career in telecommunications, shared similar sentiments about her experience at the school.
“I’m committed to applying the leadership, analytical, and financial skills I’ve gained over the years to the banking world,” Nottingham said. “The West Virginia Bankers Association offers a variety of courses to assist individuals like myself in developing their professional and technical skills. When the opportunity arose, I didn’t hesitate to take it.”
Nottingham also emphasized the value of connecting with like-minded peers in the program. “These relationships will be a great resource for overcoming future challenges,” she said.
Musser agreed, adding, “The professional relationships built during banking school will be an invaluable resource as we navigate the complexities of the banking industry.”
