Local Bank President Speaks To EOSC PBL Members
(Press Release 5-03-04)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

“If you like numbers and dealing with people, banking may be a career opportunity for you!” Sue Wagner, President of Latimer State Bank told members of Eastern Oklahoma State College’s Phi Beta Lambda club recently.

“From administrative assistants to tellers, internal auditors to bookkeepers—all employees are under the State Banking Department’s authority,” Wagner said. “Everyone who works at the bank realizes the important decisions that must be made daily that involve legal matters.”

Large banks may have a legal department. A customer may come in with a Power of Attorney or other legal document, and the bank personnel must determine what rights the documents give the customer. Economists work in banks—money is invested in bank–qualified investments to earn a return on customers’ money.

“There are numerous opportunities for those with a two–year college education,” Wagner said. “If you are employed at a bank, the bank may send you to school. If your place of employment offers you an educational opportunity, take advantage of it! No one can EVER take away your education.”

When applying for a job, present a perfect résumé. Watch the spelling. Don’t ramble. When called in for an interview, dress appropriately. Bankers are conservative so dress conservatively when applying. Then adapt to the business’s dress policy.

“It is important to maintain honesty and integrity! Don’t sacrifice your honesty and integrity for anyone!” Wagner said.

Wagner graduated from Red Oak High School and worked for Public Service Company of Oklahoma for 13 years. She began working for Latimer State Bank in 1981. She held various positions including note teller, teller, new accounts, and bookkeeping, and GL until 1989. In 1989, she was named Cashier. Wagner became Cashier/Vice President in 1991. She assumed the duties of president in 1998.

She received a BIA in Community Bank Management from the University of Wisconsin. She has attended OBA Compliance Schools of Banking. She is a member of the Wilburton Round Up Club, Eastern Star—Past Worthy Matron, and Business & Professional Women. She has served as president of the Wilburton Chamber of Commerce and is an ex–officio board member of the Chamber. She serves on the Administrative Office Technology Department Advisory Committee and has been a strong supporter of Eastern’s PBL chapter.

Caption:
Eastern PBL President Kyle Rust from McAlester presents Latimer State Bank President Sue Wagner from Wilburton with a certificate of appreciation for her efforts to work with PBL members on career choices.