Professional, community, and civic organizations: Mayfield Graves County Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Mayfield Graves County Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet Board Member, Mayfield Middle School SBDM Council, Mayfield Independent Schools Face Advisory Council What initially inspired you to pursue your profession? I’ve always had a love for art and math (polar opposites, I know). Once I realized I would have to move to a larger city to pursue architecture (my first love) I realize maybe the art and design field wasn’t for me. I took an accounting/financial planning class in high school and realized I would have more opportunities if I went the business route. I loved the idea of incorporating numbers and helping people plan for their retirement. While I didn’t pursue the financial planning route, I still get to help people navigate their own personal financial and/or business needs. What specific steps or strategies did you take to become successful in your field? I was taught early on that if you want it, you have to work for it. Keep your nose clean and grind it out. I started my banking career 13 years ago while attending Murray State University for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I started as a teller then transitioned to customer service representative, loan processor, credit analyst, commercial lending assistant, commercial lender, and now VP of Commercial Lending. With any position, there were times when I didn’t care for certain aspects of my job, however, every position I have held plays a major part in the person I am today. Professional, community, and civic organizations: Paducah/McCracken County Senior Center Board, Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Leadership Paducah Class #37, Paducah Professional Women Member, Murray State University Assessment Committee What initially inspired you to pursue your profession? While I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree at Murray State University, I was a student worker in the President’s Office. The President’s executive assistant was Mrs. Sandra Rogers. She had held this position under four different university presidents throughout her 42-year career at MSU. Sandra knew the university inside and out, and I genuinely admired her ability to adapt to change throughout her career. She was the epitome of grace and confidence, and she commanded any room she entered. There was no denying her love and dedication to Murray State. I graduated and moved on to other career paths, but I have wanted to be back as a part of the MSU community for years. So, when the opportunity arose, I knew it was time for me to come back and be like Sandra... a life-long Murray State supporter! What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? Listen to learn instead of listening to respond. So much of our lives - including our business aspirations - are based on building relationships. The only way to do that is to truly get to know people and giving them the opportunity to tell their full story. In my experience people are much more amiable if they know you are listening and absorbing what they have to say. Professional, community, and civic organizations: City of Mayfield City Councilwoman, JU Kevil Secretary, NACo Opioid Solutions Leadership Network Member, Turning Point Recovery Community Center Advisory Board Member, Mayfield Graves County Art Guild Board Member What initially inspired you to pursue your profession? I began working in this field after my older brother, Justin, 27, died of a fentanyl overdose in 2011. When my brother was in active addiction, I did everything wrong. I did not understand about addiction, the brain, or understand relapse and recovery. I wanted to prevent another family from having to experience what I went through. I was working in this field for over eight years and in 2021 we had the highest overdose rates. I know that this is an unattainable task, so I try not to get discouraged. I know what I can do to help - I can decrease the shame and stigma around people who use drugs. I can raise awareness about addiction, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your professional growth? I have countless, but specifically my supervisor and co-workers at the Purchase Area Development District office. I started as an intern in 2009, never worked in an office before and my resume only included restaurant and farm work. At that point in time, I was about to drop out of college because I didn’t have the support or the motivation to keep going, nor had any idea what I wanted to do with my life. While I was interning, I had people believe in me. I was given a chance and I will never take that for granted. They believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Sponsored by 40 Under Forty SEPTEMBER 2023 17 Kaitlyn Pickens VP Commercial Lending, First Kentucky Bank Karami Hagan Underwood Director, Murray State Paducah Regional Campus Lauren Carr Executive Director, Graves County ASAP
