As a young high school student, Cathy Carter knew one thing about her future: she wanted to go into banking.
It was her high school's Regional Occupational Program (ROP) that first exposed her to the industry, planting the seed for a rewarding career that has now spanned 40 years. Along the way, Carter has worn many hats, gaining experience across many facets of banking and making her the well-rounded, knowledgeable, and trusted team member she is today.
When she reflects on her career, Carter is most proud of her ability to adapt and embrace change. "Banking has changed tremendously over the years, and you have to be willing to grow with it," she says. “When I started, I didn’t know how to do many tasks, but I was willing to learn and figure it out.”
That willingness to learn has served her well. Carter began her career in an era of paper files and manual processes. Over the decades, she helped navigate the industry's evolution to sophisticated digital systems and technology-driven operations. Whether she was learning a new software platform, creating procedures from scratch, or stepping into an unfamiliar role, Carter consistently approached each challenge with determination and a positive attitude.
After graduating from high school, Carter enrolled at Teller Training Institute, where she learned the ins and outs of working “the front lines”. She put those skills into practice when she accepted her first teller position with Bank of Alex Brown, a Walnut Creek-based financial institution founded in 1913 and later acquired by First Interstate Bank of California.
She soon joined American River Bank (ARB), now Bank of Marin, as a receptionist at the Bank's headquarters. It didn't take long for leadership to recognize her talent and initiative. Besides her receptionist duties, she assisted with transactions from the teller line, assisted in opening accounts, managed the bank’s ATM card database, and helped organize the Safe Deposit Access function by creating a single access card.
"Once they figured out everything I could do, they moved me into the back office and tasked me with learning the bank’s systems and help organize and improve processes.”
What followed was an opportunity to help build the operational foundation of a growing bank. Carter helped establish procedures and controls, developed operational processes, and helped build support functions that would enable the bank to grow successfully. Her efforts played an important role in guiding the organization from the paper-based workflows of the past to the more efficient, technology-driven systems used today.
As the bank grew, so did Carter’s responsibilities. She played a key role in opening ARB’s Capitol Mall Branch, the bank’s first de novo branch built from the ground up, and helped establish additional locations—including in Placer, Sonoma, and Amador counties—through acquisitions.
This period also marked Carter’s return to the front office, where she advanced into assistant branch manager and branch manager roles.
"One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been helping build the bank from the inside out," Carter says. "I've had the opportunity to contribute in so many different ways."
Considered one of the most trusted, go-to resources, Carter ARB’s newly created Retail Team Coordinator where she supported the entire retail team, mentored colleagues, and played an instrumental role in helping navigate audits, implement change, and—ultimately—the conversion to Bank of Marin.
Even after decades in banking, Carter has never stopped learning.
"When Bank of Marin acquired ARB, I wasn't familiar with all the policies and processes, and I no longer felt like I could be the resource my teams needed," she says. "I spent hours, days even, reading and studying until I became well-versed in the Bank’s policies."
For those who know Carter, that commitment comes as no surprise. Her contributions to Bank of Marin extend far beyond serving as a trusted resource for colleagues. Throughout her career, she has streamlined and automated time-intensive manual processes, creating efficiencies that have allowed her teammates to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time developing their skills, leading their teams, and supporting clients. Her dedication to continuous learning, strong work ethic, and genuine desire to help others succeed have made her a respected leader, valued teammate, and lasting influence across the Bank.
Perhaps most impressive, however, is not Carter's ability to master new systems or create effective processes. It is her passion for helping others succeed.
"What makes me happiest is seeing someone else grow and achieve their goals," she says. "If I can help someone gain confidence, solve a problem, or advance in their career, that's incredibly rewarding."
Over the years, countless colleagues have benefited from Carter's guidance, encouragement, and institutional knowledge. She takes pride in helping others become the "shining stars" of their teams, often working behind the scenes to support their success.
Thirty-five years after first stepping into the world of banking, Carter is still living the dream she envisioned as a high school student. Her career has been defined by perseverance, curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to helping both her organization and her colleagues thrive.
As Bank of Marin celebrates Carter's remarkable milestone, it also celebrates the lasting impact she has had on the people, processes, and culture that continue to shape the Bank today.