Woodard to Retire from Liberty National Bank

Teresa Woodard at Liberty National Bank’s Downtown location will retire effective December 15 after 24 years of service with the bank and 49 years of banking experience overall.

“It has been a privilege to work with Teresa Woodard for the past 24 years. She has been an excellent employee and always open to helping the bank in any area. Her unwavering commitment, exceptional work ethic, and vast experience and knowledge of the banking industry have definitely contributed to the success of Liberty National Bank. Through her time with the bank Teresa has “worn many hats” including her loan officer responsibilities, compliance officer duties, and leading the bank’s advertising program. But most importantly, Teresa will always be considered as a friend to her coworkers and bank customers. We will dearly miss Teresa, but I am very excited as she embarks on this new chapter in her life. On behalf of the management of Liberty National Bank, I want to thank Teresa for her service to Liberty National Bank and we wish her the very best going forward.” stated bank President, Bill Coleman.

Woodard started her banking career in 1975 at First National Bank as a VOE student. During this time, she worked as a bookkeeper, proof operator and a teller. In 1980, she was hired at Paris Savings and Loan as a new account representative and teller. She later moved to the loan department as a real estate processor. In 1988, Paris Savings and Loan became American Federal and Woodard served as a new accounts/IRA representative. During the late 90’s, American Federal was purchased by Guaranty Federal Bank, which served as the branch office. Woodard continued to work as a new account representative, who also sold mutual funds and annuities. She earned her series 6 and 63 licenses and was named a Million Dollar Producer multiple times. She later became a Vice President and branch manager at Guaranty Federal Bank – Paris office. Guaranty Federal Bank was later purchased by Liberty National Bank in December of 2000. Woodard continued to serve as the branch manager for Liberty. She moved to the main bank in 2001 as a loan officer. In January of 2002, she was elected Assistant Cashier. Later in March of that year she became the bank’s first female loan officer. In January 2003, she was named Assistant Vice President. She was later named Vice President in 2011. Woodard continues to provide mortgage and consumer loans.

Over the years she also served as Treasurer and board member for Denver Pyle’s Children’s Charities and Paris/Lamar County Habitat for Humanity.

Woodard and her husband Lee have been married for 44 years and have two children, Jessica and Matt, wife Taylor. She has five grandchildren, Kasen, Brynlee, Presley, Slayter and Chesnie. Woodard plans to enjoy her retirement by spending quality time with her family, friends and grandchildren. The family is of the Baptist faith.

Chairman, Carl T. Cecil said, “I met Teresa in 2000, when we purchased the Collegiate branch from Guaranty Federal. She was the manager at the time, and we quickly recognized her potential and began training her to handle mortgage loans. She made that transition and became Liberty’s first female loan officer. She was an outstanding mortgage loan officer and helped us with many other tasks over the years. She was a consummate professional and team player. I really enjoyed working with her and appreciated her kind demeanor and sense of humor. She started in the business when she was 16 and I think you could say banking was in her blood. I hope that she has a fantastic retirement.”

The bank will host a retirement reception at their annual Christmas party for employees and family.