Age: 35

Business: First Financial Bank

Job title: Regional Marketing Director  

 

Why are you working in this industry? I work in this field because I love being able to help communicate an organization’s mission, vision, and values to the public. I find it incredibly rewarding to be able to work in this role for my current employer because I love the long-standing relationship and reputation that First Financial Bank has in the Big Country, and how we strongly stand behind our mission to serve our customers and our communities every day. I find enjoyment in seeing how much outreach First Financial contributes to our communities, whether it’s sponsoring a little league team, grilling burgers for our first responders, or assisting over 30 local nonprofits during our company-wide Day of Service.

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What are three daily habits that have helped you to become successful?  

• Look for the positive in everything 

• Surround yourself with others who want to see you succeed, grow, and will push you to achieve your goals.

• Stay Humble & Kind.

 

What is an accomplishment that shaped your career? Being a full-time working mom and knowing I can create that work-life balance and still crush my professional and personal goals. I’ve always been career driven and thought having a kid would put a roadblock into achieving my professional goals. I try and surround myself with other supportive working moms, where we encourage each other and remind ourselves that “we’re doing the best jobs in the world!”

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Who is the person who most influenced you in business? There are a handful of people who have molded me into the person I am today. My mighty Marketing Team, Marelyn Shedd, Chazman Dobbins, Stephanie DeLaGarza, Doug McIntyre, John Jeziorske, and my Pepop!

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What changes have you seen in Abilene during your career? What changes would you like to see? Growing up in Dallas, I had no plans post-college to stick around the Big Country. During my tenure as a student at HSU, I felt as though there was not much to do. I was that city girl ready to book it back east until I was approached about an opportunity to stay in town. Twelve years ago, Abilene was not as attractive as what it has blossomed into. Once I got involved in Abilene Young Professionals, I started seeing the potential for our young professionals on how we can retain them in Abilene with the increase in job opportunities, social events, and the food and entertainment industry. The growth downtown has helped tremendously, and Abilene is continuing to thrive in commercial development. As a new mom, I would love to see more childcare resources, patio restaurants, and more interactive family indoor/outdoor venues and parks.

 

Describe yourself in one word. Driven

 

If you were to give one piece of advice to someone starting out in your field what would it be? Work hard, listen, challenge yourself, seek opportunities, network, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

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Community Involvement:

• Abilene Young Professionals - Member

  • ​Steering Committee Aug 2014 – Dec 2016

  • Highlighted Member of the Month May 2017

  • Leadership Summit Committee Member January 2019 – June 2019

  • AYP Bash Committee Member Jan 2020 – April 2020

•  Big Country AHEC

  •  Board Member April 2017 – February 2019

• Big Country SHRM

  • Marketing Chair April 2017 – April 2018

• Hardin Simmons University

  • Board of Young Associates January 2019 – Feb 2022

• Junior Achievement

  • Volunteer December 2015 – present

  • Volunteer of the Year May 2017

• Kiwanis of Greater Texas

  • Member January 2020 - present

• Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health

  • Board of Directors (Present)

• Noah Project

  • Board of Directors January 2020 – present

•  Taylor County Expo Center

  • Board of Directors September 2021 - present

• United Way of Abilene

  • Loan Executive July 2017 – February 2018

  • Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year Award March 2021

 

Your family: Married to Wade Baker (3 ½ years). One son, Cole (1 year old). Fur (Lab) Babies, Beau (12) and Winnie (2).