Tiffany Butts

Vice President, Credit Officer, Regions Bank

40 Under 40 Category: Portfolio Management/ Risk

Biography:

Tiffany Butts joined Regions Bank in 2010 as an analyst for the Business Capital group (RBC).  Since joining RBC, she has held various roles within the group related to portfolio and risk management.  During this time, she has gained experience in various corporate lending products related to lender finance, asset-based and cash-flow lending.  Her current position as a credit officer for Regions Business Capital includes providing credit oversight, regulatory and policy training, and risk analytics for the portfolio.  Prior to Regions, Tiffany was a bank examiner for the state of Georgia. 

Tiffany received her Bachelor in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Mercer University and her Master of Science in Finance from Georgia State University. In 2017, Tiffany was in the Atlanta cohort for Regions’ “Leaders at All Levels” – a leadership development program for associates that have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and been identified as future leaders in the Bank. 

In her free time, Tiffany enjoys traveling, kickboxing, volunteering and spending time with loved ones.

What is the best professional advice you have been given and how have you implemented it?

My first day with Regions, I was told, “You determine your career path.  Since you are responsible for it, it will develop as much as you challenge yourself.” I have kept that in mind as I have navigated through different opportunities within my career.  I think that it is important to be willing to step outside of your “comfort zone” to see what opportunities exist in career development.  While at Regions, I have held multiple roles in portfolio management and risk management so that I could develop a robust understanding of corporate banking and find where my skill sets best meet the needs of the team. 

How would you define what a good leader is, and what can you do to reflect those characteristics as you progress in your career?

A good leader not only leads by example, but supports his/her team to achieve goals.  Good leaders can identify their strengths, acknowledge areas of improvement, and assess how to best use the skillsets of each team member to meet shared goals and build a dynamic group.  Good leaders are humble, possess effective communication skills, provide insight, and respect their team.

As I progress in my career, I believe I should continue to focus on being an associate that supports the goals of the team while gaining knowledge from the leaders whom I admire.  I will continue to gain insight not only from leaders, but my peers and junior talent. 

What advice do you normally give to the junior talent you mentor/what advice would you give to forthcoming generation of talent aspiring to win this award?

The most important piece of advice I can give junior talent is to challenge yourself as you progress in your career — it not only allows you to gain knowledge, but support your team towards common goals.  Do not hesitate to ask questions when you are unsure and accept that you don’t have all the answers.  Remember that every opportunity presents a chance to learn something new.

 My next piece of advice is to build a diverse network of professionals.  Look to build working relationships with associates at various career levels and different backgrounds.  In addition to peers and senior associates, your network should include your mentors.  It’s important to have a mentor, or multiple mentors, who can provide you with guidance on various professional development topics and offer different opinions in creating a career path.

Finally, don’t focus on accolades.  If you are successful at meeting and exceeding your professional goals and building a positive reputation amongst peers, your hard work will be noticed and awarded.  “Humility is the true key to success.” – Rick Pitino