IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN WITH YOUR BANK’S CEO AND ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR CAREER JOURNEY, THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BANKING INDUSTRY OR EVEN WHAT THEY DO IN THEIR SPARE TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU ASK? IN THIS FEATURE, NEW JERSEY BANKER WILL ASK THE QUESTIONS FOR YOU!
WE ASKED THOMAS J. KEMLY, PRESIDENT & CEO OF COLUMBIA BANK SOME QUESTIONS. THANKS FOR SITTING DOWN WITH US, TOM!
How did you get started in banking?
In 1981, I was a recent college graduate looking for a job in the middle of a recession. At the time, trainee programs were extremely common and allowed developing professionals to rotate through various positions at the bank before being permanently placed. I recognized this unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of bank operations and was excited to be a part of a local, growing savings and loan association. Therefore, I accepted a role as a management trainee. After holding a variety of positions within the bank, and nearly 40 years later, I am fortunate to be the president and CEO. After appreciating the opportunity afforded to me, I reintroduced the training program during my time as CEO. Some of our recent trainees have gone on to be department heads and senior vice presidents.
What advice do you have for young bankers starting their careers?
No matter what your age and experience level, everyone has strengths. Never be shy about your skillset, say yes to opportunities and be willing to get involved. During my time in the accounting department, I was asked to plan the company picnic. While I knew nothing about picnics, I was happy to be given the opportunity and knew that I could rally a team that would put together a great event. The opportunity gave me great insight into the culture at the bank and exposure to senior management. To this day, I still look forward to the event.
Why do you feel it’s important for banks like Columbia Bank to be associated with NJBankers?
I am a great advocate for the banks in New Jersey and greatly admire all that our industry has accomplished. NJBankers provides opportunities to develop relationships, gain exposure to other great organizations and keep up to date with best practices. Despite the competition, there is camaraderie, and it is important that we take advantage of the tools and network that NJBankers provides to support the state’s economy.
I always start my day with…
Exercise. I am an early riser and like to do something active in the morning. While exercising, I typically turn on a podcast or Newsbytes so I can keep current on information pertinent to the industry. Not only does it help me in my role, but I also use my learnings as conversation topics when engaging with clients or peers.
Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
My most recent interaction with a celebrity was at the African American Chamber of Commerce’s Corporate Awards Ceremony, where our bank was honored. I met an interesting man at the reception who told me about being the leading Xerox salesman worldwide early in his career. When the program began, we took our seats, and the same Xerox salesman took the stage as the keynote speaker. Turns out, it was Beyoncé’s father, Mathew Knowles, who became famous for managing Destiny’s Child and many other famous recording artists! Later in the evening, I approached him and asked if I could get a picture with my favorite salesman. No one around us quite understood, but we shared a laugh and took a photo together. I always tell people you never really know who you will meet in community banking. It may just be Beyoncé’s father.
How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?
I personally come from a modest background that taught me the importance of hard work and giving back. I like to think of myself as a servant leader, where I work hard to help others. Through running the bank, the creation of our Team Columbia volunteering initiative and the formation of the Columbia Bank Foundation, it has been extremely rewarding to see how hard work can translate into making a meaningful community impact.
What trait does the modern banker need to have to be successful?
In today’s environment, modern bankers need to be resilient and resourceful. We work in a competitive, evolving environment under strong regulatory oversight. The ability to develop relationships with all stakeholders, suggest practical solutions and navigate various circumstances is essential.
What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was “CEO Excellence” by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller and Vikram Malhotra. The book focuses on regrounding and determining what is important so that you can become a better leader. There are so many competing priorities in life, and this book recommends tools that you can use to focus on what is truly important. Whether you are a CEO or not, everyone can take something away from this book.
What would be the title of your autobiography? As I am sure my fellow CEOs can understand: Sleep is overrated!
