The Grant County Bank is proud to announce that three of its team members—Jose Ramirez, Portfolio Manager; Tiffany Dodd, Credit Analyst; and Sarah Nottingham, Highlands Bankshares Financial Officer—recently attended the 2025 session of the West Virginia Bankers School, a premier professional development program hosted annually by the West Virginia Bankers Association.
Now in her third year of the program, Tiffany Dodd participated in an advanced curriculum designed to simulate the management of a bank over a three-year period. Attendees were tasked with making strategic decisions involving deposit and loan rates, dividend payouts, earnings projections, and regulatory compliance, all within the framework of maintaining a successful and federally compliant financial institution.
“Managing a bank is far more complex than I imagined,” said Dodd. “This experience not only helped me understand the depth of decision-making required in banking, but it also gave me new personal and professional insights that I’m excited to bring back to my role at The Grant County Bank. It truly takes a strong team to succeed, and I was fortunate to work alongside a group of talented individuals throughout the week.”
The program also emphasized the importance of learning through experience. Participants could receive “violations” in the simulation for missteps—an educational feature designed to reinforce regulatory understanding and sound decision-making.
Jose Ramirez and Sarah Nottingham also successfully completed their respective sessions, demonstrating strong engagement and a continued commitment to professional development.
“My time at WV Bankers School was truly enriching,” said Ramirez. “I gained a deep understanding of how banks operate and thoroughly enjoyed attending the classes. The leadership of the West Virginia Bankers Association is exceptional, and the instructors are brilliant with extensive knowledge of the banking industry. I felt privileged to attend and look forward to returning next year.”
Sarah Nottingham, a second-year student, also shared her appreciation for the program, adding, “The training provided by the West Virginia Bankers Association is truly second to none. It’s practical, relevant, and led by experts who understand the challenges bankers face today. Banking school has given me a solid foundation in key areas like financial strategy and risk management. Equally valuable—and perhaps the most exciting aspect—was the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and build a strong network within the industry.”
“The ongoing education of our employees is essential to our mission of serving our customers and communities with excellence,” said George Ford, President and CEO. “We’re incredibly proud of Tiffany, Jose, and Sarah for representing The Grant County Bank and Highlands Bankshares with professionalism and enthusiasm.”
The West Virginia Bankers School is designed to prepare the next generation of banking leaders through a combination of classroom instruction, real-world simulations, and team-based learning experiences.
