Feature - Christopher Brown promoted to Operations Manager of Equipment Finance

There are a couple of things that excite me about the new role. The first is being able to represent a bank that has truly embraced the "People First" goal. The bank has embraced this not only from a customer standpoint but more importantly from an employee standpoint. I have worked in several banks now and Citizens has surpassed every thought of what I thought it could mean to be supported, guided, and encouraged as an employee. This is a very rare trait in many companies today, and I look forward to being able to manage the team in a way that encourages this even further. The second thing I am most excited about is seeing what I can do to help the team improve on processes, grow within the banking community, and help the bank be a leader in the industry. I have always enjoyed the auto side of banking as there is never a dull moment. However, often there needs to be a fresh set of ideas to help grow with the times. Citizens has demonstrated to me that they are willing to do so in many ways. Speaking with the team to see what ideas are there, allowing people to voice their opinions on certain topics, and then always being willing to be transparent on the issues. Overall, as the new Operations Manager, I hope to continue this tradition and help the bank be a leader in whatever it is we decide to do in the industry. 

The equipment finance team is the smallest team I have ever been a part of. The team as a whole is like a small family group, there are ups and downs as well as good times and bad. However that being said, we all work so well together which contributes to the success we have as well. The team works off of each other's strengths/weaknesses and then works to improve where we can to be a stronger team. 

I would consider my drive to be my greatest accomplishment. What I mean by this is that I never see a problem that is "unsolvable". It's always a question of "how do I resolve this"? Yes, there are always obstacles, tasks, and parts of a problem that we don't understand but you always have people around you that may have input or advice on how to do so. I often also don't like to give up without a fight. So, this allows me to always approach something with a drive that I want to accomplish whatever it is. Being an individual who didn't get a college degree, my goal has always been to improve myself to a level that shows experience/knowledge can overcome not having one. I believe that everything has a purpose, no matter how good or bad the situation. But ultimately how we use our drive and purpose is going to determine the outcome of anything we are put through. There is a quote by JFK that I believe is so ideal in how I tend to look at my work ethic..."Those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly." I think this is so often forgotten. It's ok to fail, and we are going to fail. It's how we handle that failure and learn from it that will dictate how we succeed. So, I always work toward a goal knowing that what I try may fail but there is nothing saying that out of failure we can't overcome with adversity, growth, and success. 

I have learned a lot of lessons thus far as I believe it's important to always be willing to learn something new. However, the most valuable since having joined this team/bank is that we are in this together. I have yet to encounter something where there is a feeling of "well that's not my problem". So often in companies that is a common occurrence as people are just there to do a job and go home. This company, team, and department doesn't have that attitude which I believe is why it has worked so well. I feel like I've been shown an environment that we all can help each other no matter how tough the job. This has allowed me to grow in a way that shows what my strengths are and what I can do best for the team. 

I would say the thing that drives my passion the most would be the way that our customers view our bank. I am very big on customer service and ensuring that each interaction is handled the same way as we (as customers) would want things handled. I have always driven to have a level of professionalism that surpasses even my own expectations. I believe that being in this new role, I can work to help our equipment finance customers have an experience that is unlike any other. This can range from the timelines to get paperwork out for titles, to the calls that come in just asking for a balance. I know that regardless of the situation, I can drive home our bank's goal of "People First". 

Totally by chance. Banking was never a desire or thought for me. I got into banking as a way to pay the bills, afterwards found a love for how different, varying, and quickly it can change.

I don't know that it is a hidden talent, as I tend to do it in the office a lot. However, I love to sing...regardless of how good or bad it can be at times. HAHAHA

Law Enforcement