(This is one of our profiles on this year’s recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2024 Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
_________________________________________________
Name: Brianna Wimley
Age: 31
Employer: Century Next Bank
Title: AVP, Electronic Banking Manager, Assistant Identity Theft Administrator, AAP
Hometown: Bossier City
Years Living in Ruston: 13 years
Civic Volunteer Organizations: United Way – for several years, I have volunteered as a Pen Friend in the Read.Learn.Succeed program. The program pairs community volunteers with second grade students to help students practice their reading and writing skills. I also volunteer my time as the Treasurer and a member of the Friends of the Lincoln Library Board. The board helps fund library initiatives for the Lincoln Parish community and honor the library staff.
Professional Highlights: *In 2023, I became an AAP (Accredited ACH Professional) after passing an exam with a low pass rate. An AAP is a payments professional recognized for electronic payments expertise, especially in the field of Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments.
*I am a recent graduate of the 2024 Louisiana Banker’s Association Leadership School.
*Graduate of Leadership Lincoln – 2020
*I have provided several presentations over the years at local schools and hospital groups to teach our community about current financial fraud trends, identity theft, and ways to avoid scams. I recently presented at the Circle of Bienville Medical Center as it celebrated its first anniversary.
Lorie Hamlin, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Security Officer, Identity Theft Administrator at Century Next Bank, on Bri Wimley:
In her role as AVP, Electronic Banking, Bri leads her department employees by example. She is currently attending Year One of the Louisiana Banker’s Association’s Leadership School, a five month program consisting of course work geared towards their initiative to “Growing Our Next Generation of Leaders.” She will complete Year One’s class this month. She is also a graduate of the Lincoln Leadership program, which she attended from 2019 – 2020. She has proven to be an effective project manager, and has successfully implemented positive changes to our electronic banking services, proving to be a tremendous asset to our team. She has also helped lead various learning opportunities for members of our community, as well as volunteering her time by serving where needed. She is a delight to work with, and I appreciate her commitment to financial education and leadership training. She has been a blessing to me and it’s been rewarding to witness her personal and professional growth over the years!
Q&A with Bri Wimley:
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
I came to Ruston for Louisiana Tech. The university was close to home, but far enough for a sense of independence. I had plans to move away after graduating college, but I stayed for the town. I say I, but I mean we! My husband and I met in Ruston, and we couldn’t think of a better place to start a family and raise our little boy, Caden. Lincoln Parish is where I graduated college, started my family, found a career that I love, and met so many wonderful people. We even named our Catahoula Lincoln! Lincoln Parish is our home!
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
To me, Lincoln Parish embodies the essence of community, where individuals genuinely look out for one another. The way I help take care of the community is education – knowledge is power! I am committed to engaging with local groups to raise awareness about financial fraud and preventive strategies. Additionally, I will continue to dedicate my extra time to volunteering with schools and children, helping them to reach their fullest potential. Lincoln Parish has supported me, and it is only the right thing to offer my support to other.
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
Many individuals have significantly contributed to my professional development, including my husband, family, friends, and former colleagues. They have all provided me with valuable insights into leadership, dedication, and perseverance. The person who has impacted me the most professionally is Lorie Hamlin. Lorie is THE definition of a mentor. Her sleeves stay rolled up as she supports her staff, customers, and other groups in our community. Whether facing challenging times or celebrating successes, Lorie is always there to offer encouragement or congratulations. She has a knack for sensing greatness and potential in people, and she takes the time to coach and help that person reach their full potential. Thank you, Lorie!
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
