Roni Brown is vice president and marketing director at Summit State Bank as well as the strategic planner of all marketing and branding objectives. She’s been in banking for more than 25 years, and is active in the community, serving as board president for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every abused or neglected child in the United States can be safe. Brown has lived in the North Bay most her life and currently lives in what’s left of the Coffey Park area of Santa Rosa. She’s the proud mother of her two daughters, and the grandmother of six grandchildren.
I was working in retail and raising my family and decided I couldn’t work on weekends any longer. I applied for a teller position at Exchange Bank. Ironically, shortly after I was hired, Saturday banking became the latest customer convenience.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Giving birth to my two beautiful daughters, Lauren and Megan.
What was the best news you’ve ever received?
“You’re pregnant!”
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
When I can’t remember someone’s name I’ve known for years, or when introducing someone and forgetting their name.
What are the best ways to inspire or motivate people?
It depends on the person. People who are independent typically don’t need motivation and find satisfaction in their own work. People who are dependent need to be rewarded and praised for the contribution and often need coaching. Interdependent people are the best of both worlds because they work well together and collaborate with others to achieve success.
Which is greater: love of one’s parents, one’s children, one’s spouse or one’s friend?
All of these share the same level of importance. It’s the depth or degree of love that is the variable.
As a child, did you take music lessons or take part in band or choir?
I was in the school choir and took voice lessons. I still enjoy singing.
If you had to paint your entire home inside and out, a single color other than white, what color would you pick?
Caramel
If you had a genie lamp, what three wishes would you wish for?
First, I wish that every child felt loved and cared for. Second, I wish as a society we were more tolerant of each other’s differences. Third, I wish that technology would improve our lives—not speed it up.
When you go out, what’s your drink of choice?
Grey Goose Gibson, up.
What items do you currently have stored in the trunk of your car?
A sun visor for my car, and a bag of clothes to be donated.
Is the paper money in your possession right now organized sequentially, according to denomination and with the bills right side up and facing the same way?
Heck yeah! I’m a banker.
What’s your favorite season of the year?
Spring—I love Easter.
Where’s your favorite place to take out-of-town guests?
Wine tasting at my friends Lisa and Trini Amador’s winery—Gracianna Winery.
What books have made a big impact on you?
“The Artist’s Way.”
What’s the most lavish clothing item or accessory you own?
My four-inch red pumps.
