by Nancy Russell-Forsythe
photo by Matt Rose

Being a career banker was not in Sabrina Miller’s plans when she married her high school sweetheart at 16. In fact, she wanted to be a Rockette. (Alas, she was a bit too short. You have to be at least 5’ 6’’, and Miller is barely 5 feet.) So, at 17, she took an accounting job at Asheville’s Talman Office Supply, dropping off deposits every day at the Bank of Asheville (a different entity than today’s Bank of Asheville), where she was hired as a teller when she was 19. She moved up the ladder at Bank of Asheville, which merged with North Carolina National Bank in 1979, from teller to auditor, then to personal banker, then branch operations coordinator and bank center manager and consumer banking director. At first, she oversaw five banks, and, eventually, more than 30. NCNB eventually became part of Charlotte-based Bank of America, and, after several regional positions there, Miller settled into her current executive role in 2002—as market president for Western North Carolina and consumer market executive for Upstate South Carolina. Now, at 52, after 33 years in the banking business, she feels like she’s at the top of her game—even if her corner office isn’t Radio City Music Hall.

Who are some of your career role models?
My mother is the first one who comes to mind. She ran the family’s grocery store when I was growing up. In the banking industry, I’d have to mention Helen Powers, who was the second in command at the Bank of Asheville back in the 1970s, when banking was a man’s world. She was involved in all the key decisions, even down to allowing female employees to wear pant suits, a big deal at the time. Helen was always in control. She was the only female at board meetings and was responsible for promoting many women and minorities.

Do you consider banking a particularly good career for women?
Definitely. Women are in many leadership positions in this industry. I think that it’s appealing to females because it offers jobs that challenge the mind.  Interpersonal skills are key, and women are usually good in this area. Team involvement is important, and we emphasize giving back to the community, both of which I believe appeal to women.

What are some important leadership qualities women need to develop to be successful in an executive role?
First, I’d say be courageous, but not controlling. Negotiating skills are also important.  Challenge yourself to win by getting “the best you can get.” Be a good communicator in all areas—listening, speaking and writing. Sometimes people overlook the interpersonal realm by focusing too much on tasks. Being overly task-oriented also takes time away from thinking and planning.

What’s your advice for young women starting out in their careers, particularly those who aspire to banking careers?
Know yourself, follow your passions and don’t dwell on barriers. Work hard, enjoy yourself, build your interpersonal skills and take advantage of any type of education, especially foreign languages. When you start out, don’t expect too much too soon.  There’s a tendency to focus on getting to the next job quickly. Start at the bottom, hang in there and work your way up steadily.  In the world of banking, be aware of the variety of jobs that are available to you—such as attorneys, event planners, accountants and consumer bankers. It’s like any other business where the opportunities are unlimited, especially for women. In the 24 banking center management roles in our region, 17 of those executives are women.