United Way of Western Kentucky Reading PALS, Benton Partnership Describe a challenge in your career and how you overcame it. Before I began my career in banking, I was told that I would never do or be better than what I was at that moment. I took that as a challenge to be the best I could be and to never give up on my dreams. It did not come without struggles and hard times, but I have grown and thrived with my Lake Chem family by my side. What makes you stand out in your industry or field? On paper, my job is dollars and cents. But in reality, my purpose is to connect with our members. Buying a home is more than just moving into a building with four walls; it’s financing the perfect space for someone’s baby to take their first steps and also making sure their mortgage payment allows them to live their life. Or it’s helping someone downsize after their children have moved out so they can prioritize traveling in their retirement. My passion for helping people goes beyond typing a loan because these purchases genuinely change people’s lives, and everyone deserves to have someone in their corner cheering for them. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in your career or community? Through my volunteering, I want to use my life experiences to encourage children and teenagers to believe in themselves. I have lived in the shoes and walked the same path as so many kids in our community, and I want to show them that the path they are on can still lead them somewhere great. What advice would you give to other young professionals striving for success? Do not let the opinions of others influence your goals and aspirations. Surround yourself with positive, kindhearted, loving, supportive people who help you grow, not hold you back or bring you down. What are your most significant professional accomplishments to date? In 2024, I was nominated by the community and received the Best Lender in Marshall County award from the Tribune Courier. The following summer, in 2025, I was promoted from my role as a residential lender to branch manager of our Draffenville office. I have served our members and community for over 14 years, and because of that experience in lending, this summer I was also promoted to lending manager for the credit union. Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Member. Purchase Area Mental Health and Aging Coalition Volunteer, Embracing the Aged Fundraising Committee What are your most significant professional accomplishments to date? To date, my most significant professional accomplishment has been leading the growth of Village Caregiving-Paducah. When we opened the doors in late April 2024, we provided 626 client care hours within the Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois area with a team of 15 employees. As of June 30, 2026, we have successfully scaled our operations to reach 4,744 client care hours across our region, now supported by a dedicated team of 47 employees. What makes you stand out in your industry or field? What sets me apart in my field is my lifelong dedication to caregiving and my genuine passion for serving others. I became a State Registered Nurse Aide and began working in this field at the age of 17. I knew it was my calling. That experience laid the foundation for my career in healthcare. Now, as the Executive Director for Village Caregiving-Paducah, I continue to lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to providing exceptional care. I have always had a deep respect for the elderly, and I believe every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect. I take pride in supporting not only our clients but also their families and our caregivers. I do believe this is what makes me stand out in my industry. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in your career or community? Throughout my career, I aim to establish a meaningful legacy defined by integrity, compassion, and lasting impact. My goal is to be recognized as a leader who champions high-quality client care while simultaneously inspiring, supporting, and valuing caregivers in their daily roles. Ultimately, I hope to set a standard of excellence, respect, and dignity, ensuring that all clients receive the care necessary to remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home or fully supported through the final stages of their lives. Brittany Mathis Sponsored by Executive Director, Village Caregiving-Paducah Branch Manager, Lending Manager & Residential Lender, Lake Chem Community FCU Carley Marin 12 SEPTEMBER 2026
