personalities. They taught me that hard work, integrity, practicality and humor are important attributes in life, and I try to bring those to the office every day. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from the camp director when I was a summer counselor. He said, ‘As a leader in this community, you are always on display, so, lead by example.’ To me, great leaders are passionate about their company and its mission. They have clear vision, communicate it well and build a culture of teamwork. My leadership style is a combination of these and I’m in constant pursuit of improvement. I believe in providing accessibility, doing things right the first time, committing to making a difference and giving credit where credit is due.” Fitzgerald adds that a key mentor of his was Joe Allbritton of Riggs Bank. He started there in 1981 and came out of a two-year training program as a junior lender. At that time, Allbritton began a program where he picked an individual to shadow/work with him for a year. Mike Fitzgerald was one of the early ones in that role. It was a position that required 365 days, 24 hours per day attached to Allbritton’s adjoining office. Remarks Fitzgerald, “I think he saw my work ethic and passion. Whatever it was he invited me back for an additional two years. As my career progressed, it became more apparent how much I learned in that position.” Mike Fitzgerald has little time to spare in a calendar jampacked with business and community engagements. When he is able to carve out moments of relaxation, he heads to the golf course. “My home course is Chevy Chase Club. I’m currently an 11 handicap. It has been lower, but golf took a back seat to family time and building a bank. I’ve played in Scotland, but my favorite non-local courses are just to the north - Pine Valley New Jersey and Merion in Pennsylvania.” When asked how he would like readers to understand the Bank of Georgetown and its role in the Washington area, his answer is expected. It is a combination of the central themes of relationships and community. “Bank of Georgetown is ‘relationship-based.’ As a community bank that really values its customers, we take the time to get to know and understand them and cater to their needs. We help our clients meet their financial goals. At Bank of Georgetown, every customer is provided with a team of personal bankers who are familiar with your needs and readily available to assist. It is my absolute goal for the community to know that when an account is opened with us, our desire is not just a satisfied customer, but a loyal, raving fan of Bank of Georgetown. To us, people are much more than account numbers and I want everyone to know that you will never find another bank that values your business more than we do. We make it our job to get to know you, but we want you to know us as well, in the hope that you’ll grow to see us not just as a partner, but as a trusted advisor. Our employees have the perspective, experience, and vision to help avoid future pain points, see areas of improvement and make the most of your money. Plus, many grew up here, so they are that much more invested and knowledgeable. Our team will meet your needs with a commitment to accessibility, flexibility and responsiveness, and will match this investment in the client with an active investment in the neighborhoods we serve.” Reading is fundamental and Fitzgerald enjoys the habit. However, in his spare time, it is not non-fictional tomes on banking, economics or management that grab his attention. “When I leave this office, I read nothing but fun stuff. I love novels, mystery thrillers. They’re fun and total escapism.” Which is a good thing as the world of Mike Fitzgerald is quite serious enough.
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