Mason Beuhring, Communications & Program Services Director at Marietta Community Foundation, sits down with Carol Schneeberger, member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, to get to know this prominent community member.
Mason Beuhring: I’d love to start out by asking, how did you get started with Peoples Bank?
Carol Schneeberger: I came to Peoples Bank right out of college. I was looking for a job in the area but there weren’t very many open at the time. I had previously worked as a bank teller in high school and college. So I took another job as a bank teller after I graduated.
MB: So you started out as a bank teller and worked your way up to Chief Administrative Officer & Executive Vice President… That’s incredible! Were there any obstacles you faced in your career that you had to overcome?
CS: Thank you. Shortly after I started as a teller, I had opportunities to move to different departments. I ultimately landed in the Auditing Department, which was a great way to learn the profession. I was there for several years and actually became the auditor of the company.
After that, I moved to a more operational role and stayed in that position for a few more years. Now, I lead the operations and admin group for the whole company.
It’s just evolved over time… the main thing is to say yes when someone offers you a new opportunity!
I love learning, so my career at Peoples Bank has been a lot of fun.
MB: What advice would you give to someone in my generation who is just starting with a company in an entry-level position?
CS: It’s difficult to say. I think the opportunities are totally different today than when I was starting out. The mindset of our individual generations is different, not that it’s a bad thing.
The approach to work is much different. There’s a desire for a certain level of work/life balance and flexibility that just didn’t exist when I entered the workforce. I also think opportunities for women are a lot greater now… it’s interesting to try and see things through the lens of the younger generation.
MB: Where did you attend college?
CS: I went to Cedarville University and studied Business & Accounting.
MB: You mentioned you were looking for a job in this area after graduating. Are you from this area, or was there another reason you wanted to come here?
CS: I grew up in Caldwell. Which is about 25 miles away.
MB: When you are not providing oversight to one of the largest corporations in Marietta, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
CS: I have a few different interests. I really enjoy running and bicycling. We also have a small farm, so I like to get out there and walk on the property. We have horses on the farm and I like to help take care of them.
I’m from a pretty big family, I have eight siblings. We live close to my younger sister, who has several kids. It is a lot of fun getting to go to their school events and be around them.
MB: Do you have any other interests? Maybe one that is more therapeutic?
CS: I do a little bit of quilting. I started when I was a kid, just watching my grandmother. She and her friends would have quilting bees, and they would let me help. My stitches were always too long, if you’re a quilter you know your stitches need to be tiny. I would always put my knots on top, which is not what you’re supposed to do, but my grandma would never take them out… she would quilt over them, but she always left them. I still have one of the quilts in my possession!
MB: You have almost completed a full year as a Board member for the Foundation. What has been your overall impression of the organization?
CS: It’s been a lot of fun working as a member of the Board. I serve as the Chair for the EVE Board of Directors and, through that experience, I have seen the Foundation from afar.
Now I get to see the process of the Foundation up-close and it has been great to see the growth within the organization.
MB: That’s outstanding! I haven’t gotten to interact very much with EVE, but I know their work in helping victims of domestic violence is incredible… I imagine that is tremendously rewarding work, but difficult at the same time.
CS: It is. I grew up in the “model family” of the ’60s and early ’70s, so working with EVE has been an eye-opener.
MB: What prompted you to get involved with so many groups?
CS: Peoples Bank really challenges its employees to get involved with the community. My roles on the Foundation’s Board and EVE’s board has opened my eyes to some of the challenges this community faces.
I think giving money is great, but it can be an easy answer, it doesn’t require involvement. To be able to get involved and contribute to these organizations has been a neat opportunity.
MB: If there is one thing about the Foundation that you would like people to know, what would that be?
CS: I think that the Foundation is a place that you can feel good about contributing to. You don’t need to be concerned about decisions being poorly made or lightly taken. I think the staff and the board are very committed to leveraging the money that is given in the best possible way for the community.
MB: Carol, thank you for meeting with me and I hope you have a great day!
CS: Thank you and you too!