Her Story
About Lorna
Lorna Jones has built a dynamic career in banking, financial services, operations, human resources, and client relations, developing a strong foundation in leadership, sales, and financial management. Her banking career began through a U.S. Bank scholarship that combined college studies with a management trainee program. After completing her degree and spending five years in Oregon, she advanced into entry-level management before relocating to Southern California, where she joined Bank of America in operations management. She later moved to a savings and loan institution in Santa Barbara, transitioning into regional human resources, where she managed recruitment for 15 offices and developed employee training programs.
After returning to Oregon and taking time away from the workforce to focus on her family, Lorna resumed her banking career with KeyBank in 1998 as a Sales Manager. In that role, she introduced innovative cross-selling strategies that strengthened performance and expanded client relationships. In 2002, she opened a new Liberty Bank branch in Eugene, where she implemented employee banking packages and proactive community outreach, including door-to-door engagement. Her leadership and business development efforts helped the branch achieve profitability within three years, significantly ahead of the projected five-year timeline. Following the effects of the 2010 recession and the subsequent sale of the bank, Lorna was laid off before eventually relocating to Vancouver, Washington.
Throughout her career, Lorna has consistently demonstrated adaptability, initiative, and a talent for working with both numbers and people. Her diverse experience across banking, operations, human resources, sales, and client service has strengthened her ability to understand financial needs and develop practical solutions. Today, she continues to apply her analytical and relationship-building skills in pricing analysis for a regional grocery organization while drawing on her extensive financial-services background. Her career reflects a commitment to continuous growth, strong leadership, and creating meaningful value for the clients, teams, and organizations she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lorna
01What do you attribute your success to?
In every role I’ve been assigned, I have always met and exceeded goals set by asking for opportunities outside of my job description, created new sales tactics with cooperation of other company departments to achieve those goals and ask for additional duties to make myself more productive toward overall company goals. I also am naturally able to develop relationships quickly to combine strengths, both with clients and corporate partners.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
In leading a team with various natural strengths and knowledge, my attempt to stay focused collectively can often be redirected by reminding the team that we aren’t attempting brain surgery, and the consequences aren’t the same if a mistake is made. Reminding the group that we are selling service is most effective in keeping us with the best mindset to be successful.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I have seen employees new to the industry that believe it’s a black and white commodity we deal in. In fact, it’s the gray area of working well with people that will determine one’s success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The banking industry is always working on improving and expanding what is needed to be competitive. Flexibility is essential to growth and client retention.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my professional and personal life, I value accessibility, flexibility, and a commitment to helping others achieve their goals. I take pride in providing clients with a wide range of financing solutions, including new home mortgages with up to 100% financing, refinancing options of up to 97%, manufactured home financing at competitive rates, FHA and Rural Development loans, and construction financing. I believe in creating opportunities for individuals and families to achieve homeownership by offering personalized solutions, competitive terms, and exceptional service tailored to their unique needs.
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