Cottonwood banker draws from lifetime of banking experience

Photo by Michael Woodward, Reporter

TRAVELING BANKER — Branch manager Kelley Taylor earned her experience in several banks across Nevada and California.

Now the manager of the North Valley Bank branch in Cottonwood, Kelley Taylor grew up in Sparks, Nev. near Reno, where her father operated a construction supply business that worked with the state. She enjoyed her youth in a small community.

“You knew everybody in a smaller area like Cottonwood,” Taylor said. “When you grow up with the same group of people, it gives you roots.”

Taylor’s parents were involved in the community there, working closely with the PTA, Little League and Boy Scouts. The “close-knit” family was involved with the Faith Lutheran Church in Reno where she taught preschool children at Sunday school.

“We were never allowed to go barefoot when we were young,” Taylor said of herself and her two brothers. “My mom said we could only go barefoot when all the snow was gone, but there was always at least a patch of snow on Mt. Rose—so we never did.”

While still a child in Reno, Taylor remembers her father taking herself and her brother to the airport when President Johnson toured the country just after the assassination of President Kennedy.

“We stood by the fence, and both my brother and I shook his hand,” Taylor said. (President Johnson) shook so many hands that his hands were blistered. A secret service agent grabbed our hands away because he was sore from shaking hands.”

In 1974, Taylor got her start in banking at the Nevada National Bank in Reno as a part of the Regional Occupational Program (ROP). Although the bank was later leveled in favor of the casino, Circus, Circus, she worked her way up the ranks and got experience on the job.

Taylor moved around Nevada and California with her husband, Mark, as his job with Verizon required. Her banking position in Manteca at the Stockton Savings bank earned her the experience that made her a good manager. She started as a teller and worked her way to assistant manager.

Taylor has worked in other banks as well, earning experience in a variety of settings. At Edward Jones Investments in Trinity County, she was branch office administrator. Although college was not her choice, Taylor’s steady pace and hard work set the stage for her continued career success.

She and her husband enjoy touring on their 2003 Honda Goldwing. They have traveled to Yosemite, Mt. Whitney and Grant’s Pass, Oregon.

“On a bike, you see things differently than in a car,” Taylor said. “We saw a bald eagle dive into the Trinity River and grab a fish. We were able to pull over real fast and watch. It’s relaxing. Mark accuses me of nodding off while on the back.”

“Cottonwood is a close-knit community,” Taylor said. “The people who live and work here are very proud of what they have. There are those that want growth and those that want a simple community. I enjoy seeing people meet their goals.”