How did you find yourself in banking and finance?

In high school, they had this program called regional occupational programming. You actually spend half your day working. My junior year I did a credit union, then my senior year I worked in a finance company. Because of that experience, I started as a teller right out of high school (while I was in college). I’ve been in ever since.

Do you like how the industry is faring now?

Right now is exciting. A lot of people thought banking was kind of boring. There wasn’t a lot of change. But given everything that’s happened — from a regulatory reform standpoint — just from the impact of the overall economy and everything that’s happened with financial institutions, this is evolving into a whole new industry.

Even in Tulsa?

I wouldn’t say the industry in Tulsa is different from any other city. What’s unique about Tulsa is that we are, as Bank of Oklahoma, the largest locally owned institution here. It’s exciting to be part of the headquarters — where all of the activities are going on, where we’re going to see all of those changes implemented — and to really be a champion in the community, making sure that Tulsa is part of the change and growth that’s going on in the industry.

Besides work, what are you passionate about?

My nephew and brother-in-law are big OU fans, and my sister and I are big Texas fans, so we love when the two schools are playing. After the last game that Texas beat OU, I called them on the phone and sang the fight song. It’s a serious rival.

Is it difficult balancing work and family?

Are there times when I work long hours? Yes. Are there times when I have to travel and be away? Yes. But when I’m home with (my husband), I don’t want work to interfere. And because we’ve been married so long and still enjoy each other’s company so well, I get excited when I go home. It’s nice to be excited every day about the person who’s waiting for you on the other side of the door. It just works, and I feel very blessed.