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Q&A With Community Bank’s Newest Leaders

Q&A With Community Bank’s Newest Leaders

Community Bank’s mission is to provide trusted, personalized banking services to the community in Wheeling and beyond, so that individuals and businesses can realize their dreams and protect their financial futures. They know that it’s their people who are the driving force behind their reputation for top-notch customer service and expertise.

Ryan Garrison

Community Bank is proud to welcome two new team members, Ryan Garrison and Amber Keene. Ryan Garrison joins Community Bank as AVP-Retail Market Executive.

Garrison has a wealth of experience in the banking industry, holding a variety of roles from teller to Banking Center Manager. In his 13+ years of experience, he has honed his leadership skills, operational excellence, and community involvement, making him a perfect match for a leadership position with Community Bank.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about what brought you to Community Bank?

A. What drew me to Community Bank was the genuine commitment to people–both our customers and employees. I value being part of a bank where decisions are made locally, and where I could directly see the impact on families, small businesses, and the community as a whole.

Q. What excites you most about working with individuals and families here in the Ohio Valley?

A. The Ohio Valley has such a strong sense of pride and connection. What excites me most is helping people achieve their goals–whether that’s buying a first home, starting a business, or simply having a trusted financial partner who knows them by name. I look forward to deepening those relationships and giving back to a community that has always supported its own.

Q. What does community banking mean to you?

A. Community banking means being approachable, accountable, and invested in people’s lives beyond their bank accounts. It’s about being a trusted partner–not just in financial decisions, but in supporting the broader community through involvement, sponsorships, and volunteerism.

Q. What do you think sets Community Bank apart from other banks in the area?

A. It’s our personal touch. We’re not just another branch in a corporate system. Decisions are made here, by people who live and work alongside our customers. We build long-term relationships rather than focusing on transactions. That local decision-making power, paired with genuine care, really sets us apart.

Q. As a Retail Market Executive, how do you empower your branch leaders like Amber?

A. I believe in giving our branch leaders the autonomy to run their offices in a way that reflects the needs. My role is to support, coach, and remove barriers so they can succeed. For Amber, that means ensuring she has the resources, training, and freedom to build a strong, customer-focused team. I trust her leadership and see my job as creating the conditions for her and her team to thrive.

Q. How would you describe the team culture you’re building at your branches?

A. We’re building a culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and customer care. Everyone on the team knows they have a voice, and we celebrate both individual and group successes. We treat each other like family, and that warmth extends to our customers. When someone walks through our doors, I want them to feel welcomed, listened to, and valued.

Community Bank welcomes Amber Keene into her role as Office Manager at the Woodsdale branch. Amber Keene has been in the banking industry for over ten years. She has worked in various financial roles over the years, developing a strong foundation in customer service and the importance of building relationships with clients.

Amber Keene

Q. What excites you most about serving the Wheeling Community in your new role?

A. What excites me the most is the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives by connecting with them, understanding their needs, and being a part of creating solutions that matter. I am looking forward to meeting new people, building new relationships, and strengthening existing ones.

Q. What does Community Banking mean to you personally?

A. To me, Community Banking means walking into your local branch and everyone knows you by name. It means putting the needs of our customers first. I feel it’s about getting to know our customers on a personal level in order to build long lasting relationships.

Q. What do you think sets Community Bank apart from other banks in the area?

A. I think it is our customer service that sets Community Bank apart from other banks in the area. Our goal here is to add value with every client interaction. We really focus on building relationships with our customers rather than treat them like just another account number.

Q. How would you describe the team culture you’re building at your branch?

A. I plan on building a culture of respect, collaboration, and transparency. I believe everyone should feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking for help and contributing their skills to the success of the branch. Clear communication is the key to success, I want to ensure everyone knows where our team is heading, what our goals are, and what part they play in achieving them.

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