Q&A
with Browning Herbert
Q&A with Browning Herbert, VBA Leadership Division Chairman BROWNING, PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. I grew up in Northern Virginia and graduated from Elon University in 2006. Since that time I have been in the banking and finance industry. I initially worked at Middleburg Bank for two years, and then worked at MainStreet Bank as a commercial lender for one year before returning to Middleburg Bank, where I am today. I got married in October 2012 to my wife J.J. Herbert, who is from Williamsburg. I enjoy playing golf, spending time with family and friends and rooting for the Redskins. TO YOU,WHAT IS THE MOST ENJOYABLE ASPECT OF BEING A BANKER? The most rewarding part of my position is helping clients achieve their growth goals and seeing how our financing helps businesses in our community. I love what I do because there is such a wide array of businesses that I work with. It keeps me focused and engaged. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE VBA LEADERSHIP DIVISION? This will be my third year as a member of the Leadership Division. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCES FROM BEING INVOLVED IN THE VBA LEADERSHIP DIVISION? My favorite experience was the first annual Leadership Division Conference held at Wintergreen Resort. It was a great event, and with so many rising executives and participating executives there I was able to learn a ton of best practices. That event set the stage for future Leadership Division Conferences that have been very successful. AS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE LEADERSHIP DIVISION, ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC GOALS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACHIEVE? While increasing membership is always a goal, I want to keep our current members engaged, and increase participation at existing events like legislative meetings and at the Leadership Division Conference in November.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE VBA LEADERSHIP DIVISION? The first step is to sign up for the Leadership Division, but the most important piece is being active within the group. It is an excellent opportunity to learn from peers, and you will get out what you put into it.
Browning Herbert, second from left, talks about the efforts of the Division at the Leesburg Legislative Luncheon. Also pictured from left: Brian Hester (BB&T); Patrick Heijmen (Middleburg Investment Services) and Delegate Tag Greason.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ATTEND EVENTS LIKE THE VBA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE? It is rare to have a conference specifically tailored to rising executives in banking that focuses on banking skills so comprehensively. In addition to learning from the speakers, few events enable such strong peer-to-peer discussions regarding best practices for both the individual and respective bank.
Interested in joining the Leadership Division? Email Chandler Dewey at cdewey@vabankers.org to sign up. To find out more about the VBA Leadership Conference being held in Virginia Beach on November 13-14, visit www.vabankers.org/vba-leadership-division-events. September/October 2014 | Virginia Banking 15