Robbin Hardee
Robbin Hardee is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Crescent Bank in the Greater New Orleans region, where she leads retail banking operations and the supporting infrastructure that keeps branch and digital banking functions running efficiently. Her oversight includes deposit operations, branch operations, items processing, customer service, quality control, retirement accounts, ACH and wire clearings, and digital banking systems.
She began her banking career in 1982 through a Cooperative Office Education program in New Orleans and has built a 40+ year career progressing from entry-level clerical and teller roles into leadership positions in lending, branch management, and executive operations. Prior to her current role, she served as Vice President of Retail Banking at Crescent Bank and previously held senior roles at Metairie Bank and Fidelity Homestead Savings Bank, gaining deep experience in both lending and large-scale retail banking operations.
Alongside her executive responsibilities, she is active in financial literacy education and professional development within the banking industry. She frequently speaks on credit education and first-time homeownership and has contributed to community programs through schools, healthcare organizations, and banking associations. Her leadership approach emphasizes operational discipline, employee development, and educating customers to make informed financial decisions.
• LSU Graduate School of Banking
• Celebration Toastmasters
• Community Service Award
• Money Markers Award
• Money Maker Award 2024
• Louisiana Bankers Association
• Toastmasters International at Celebration Church
• Hispanic Chamber
• The Institute of Financial Education
• Louisiana Bankers Education Council (Lebec)
• Louisiana Jumpstart Coalition
• Each One Save One
• Jefferson Parish Performing Arts Society (JPAS)
• Celebration Church
• Each One Save One
• Louisiana Bankers Association
• Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition
• Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, Inc.
• Jefferson Performing Arts Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to education, integrity, and building relationships grounded in respect and trust. I focus on educating clients and team members rather than pushing products, helping them make informed financial decisions that best meet their needs. This approach led me to become a top lender at my previous bank and continues to guide my leadership style, which emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and team cohesion. With over 43 years in the banking industry, I bring deep expertise, strong training capability, and a consistent commitment to serving as a trusted local banker.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering banking is to develop a well-rounded skill set that combines technical knowledge and people skills. A strong foundation in math, accounting, and an understanding of banking laws is essential, as the industry requires accuracy and regulatory awareness. Equally important are communication, empathy, and psychology, since you will work closely with clients who often share personal financial situations. Sales ability, attention to detail, and familiarity with cash handling also remain valuable, especially in retail banking. As you advance, leadership and HR awareness become critical, along with the ability to manage teams effectively while leading with empathy, fairness, and professionalism.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is improving financial literacy and helping individuals navigate increasingly complex financial systems. This includes first-time homebuyer education, where clients often need guidance through a complicated and highly regulated process, as well as addressing ongoing regulatory changes that require constant learning and compliance. A significant opportunity also lies in closing the financial literacy gap within the community—supporting “cradle to grave” education so individuals can make informed financial decisions at every stage of life. Through initiatives like working with at-risk youth and programs such as Each One Save One, there is meaningful potential to create long-term impact by building stronger financial understanding from an early age.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are being community-driven, mentorship, and building relationships based on respect and trust. I focus on coaching and guiding others—whether customers, employees, or community members—while staying actively involved in community work. Empathy is also essential, as I often work closely with people through personal financial and life challenges, and I believe in leading and managing others with both professionalism and genuine care.