I never saw the avalanche coming! It charged over the Information Technology (IT) department as fast and swift as a bolt of lightning. I was completely in awe of the magnitude of force behind what was engulfing me. I could not turn. I could not run. I was filled with intrigue, surprise, and genuine fear. I was completely mesmerized. This is my story. This is my adventure.
Let us begin…
Stories always start with an introduction: Hi, my name is Cindy Griffin, CIO at Farmers and Merchants Bank, Baldwyn, MS, and my story truly begins with 5 simple lettersMS-DOS. Upon first glance, one would think these initials are designatory letters used behind a person’s name to indicate titles, honors or earned degrees. For the non-elderly, MS-DOS is the Microsoft-marketed version of the first operating system (OS), widely installed on new hardware called a personal computer (PC).
As you can see, my banking career began years before home computers, internet, mobile phones and as my grandchildren summarizes it…you are older than Disney World! Hey, it is all true, but one cannot resist a delightful story, a good Disney ride or a great adventure.
My story….
In 1988 at the most inexperienced age of 19, I took a new job at my hometown bank (Farmers and Merchants Bank) as THE person to bring our $45M dollar bank from a small local data center to an in-house processing ROOM. What was I thinking? Team, what team? ME? Oh dear!
As the years flew by, our bank continuously and rapidly added more products, more branches and, you guessed it, more work. The assets were starting to grow as well as my experience. The early years challenged me, inspired me, and taught me how to lead with integrity, how to create lasting friendships as well as help create an arsenal of technological services.
The middle years are lengthy, so I will not bore you with details. However, I will share that within those years our bank grew. Rapid technological changes were leading to new and improved services for all. It was exciting to see history unfolding before my eyes as my adventures continued to expand into the unknown!
My team of one (me) soared into a walloping team of TWO women in the IT department. Success! At this point, life was good! I had a better work-home life balance and a few hours at home each week!
UNTIL…an unforgettable plot twist entered and changed everything. Management had the foresight to think BIGGER and purchased two credit union branches. This was a thrilling acquisition!
As we (the bank) had purchased other smaller credit unions before, we knew what we were up against on the IT front. However, we quickly found out that this one…was different.
As the eagerness and enthusiasm built, one major factor was quietly overlooked – the unforeseen task of a two-branch conversion at the same time. Wait, what? The sizable acquisition doubled our assets and tripled our workload, literally, overnight. With a minimal number of exhausted resources, the IT team and work never stopped, slowed down, or paused – not even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Failure was not an option! With true determination, perseverance, devotion, hard work, and an abundance of gratitude, I can proudly say (now) that we survived.
This experience along with some well-learned patience helped form some of the best and most advanced technology programs seen today at Farmers and Merchants Bank. I like to give credit where credit is due, so, I would be amiss if I did not mention and humbly give my heartfelt appreciation to the many unsung heroines that worked tirelessly beside me on that conversion. Nothing but respect, ladies!
The current and next adventure coming into focus is Alkami!
With an Alkami conversion date coming up, I have the privilege to help lead the implementation of this amazing product. I cannot wait to introduce this digital banking provider and the new services to our most cherished asset – our customers. Exciting!
As I am actively working on the Alkami implementation, I must pause my story until I finish my next chapter.
However, I will leave you with simple encouragement…
Laugh often, smile continuously, enjoy each day and never underestimate your ability to create your own unique story and adventure! I promise it is worth it!
- Cindy Griffin, Chief Information Officer, Farmers and Merchants Bank
