When Vicki McCathren started her career at Vinton County National Bank, the banking industry was just ramping up its use of computers in branches. Online banking was still in its infancy and the concept of a phone app where customers could take charge of their money was still a few years down the road.

On Friday, she will retire after almost 21 years with the bank and a wealth of knowledge about tasks that customers likely never think about but that are important behind the scenes work.

“It’s incredible the changes I’ve seen over the years,” Vicki said. “The changes in how we do things, in the technology is pretty amazing. Banking is so much easier for the customer too.”

Vicki started in the VCNB Customer Service Department, eventually working her way up to be department supervisor. At that time, Customer Service encompassed not just traditional customer service responsibilities but other work including inputting account information, balancing savings bonds, managing debit card disputes and a host of other things. “We all shared the work. Everyone knew how to do everything and we rotated responsibilities. It was a great group to work with,” she said before describing how she went on to take a position in the bank’s Operations Department in 2007.

As Senior Operations Processor, Vicki has several daily responsibilities, most notably in the area of debit card disputes. “I’ve done debit card disputes for nearly 21 years,” she laughed. “No matter where I went in this bank, they went with me!”

That may be because Vicki has a flair for problem solving, the patience and attention to detail needed to work through a complicated situation and a customer service mindset that helps her appreciate how important this work is to the customer.

But she calls herself a “Jack of All Trades” and emphasizes how well her department works together. “There are things that I do every day and things that I know how to do so I can help if someone needs help or if they’re on vacation. We keep really busy but we work well together. It’s been a great group of ladies and gents to work with,” she explained.

Vicki said that her department is experienced at problem solving – both from having years of experience to draw from and because of their research skills – and that they often serve as a resource for bank employees who need assistance for the customers. “Everything we do is for the customer. Without our customer we wouldn’t have a bank so it’s important to take care of them,” she said.

She is looking forward to retirement, hopeful that she will have the time to simply enjoy life and to spend more time with loved ones. She’s especially looking forward to having more time with her husband and eleven grandkids and may take on a volunteer gig at her grandson’s school. “I have no big plans for sleeping in or anything like that. I just want to see what I can get into!”

She smiles at the thought of lunches with her sisters and beams at the idea she will soon have time to cook big meals for her family – about 75 people including her siblings and their children and grandchildren. “I like cooking and feeding my family but it’s hard to do when you’re working,” she smiled.

“I remember when I was a kid and how simple things were. Time was slower. Life was easier. Sunday was a day to rest and to have a big dinner as a family. You’d sit on the porch and watch it get dark so you could catch lightening bugs. I’m hoping to recapture some of that,” she said while talking about bringing loved ones together.

Never one to be the center of attention, Vicki has asked that her last day of work be low key. In lieu of a party, she requested cake and a quiet celebration with her coworkers in the Operations Department. She will retire Friday, just two days shy of her 21^st anniversary with the bank.

Congratulations Vicki! We will miss you!