Buies Creek — The first female president of RBC Centura Bank told business students at Campbell University that there is “no substitute for hard work” to achieve success. Drew Putt was a featured speaker Tuesday evening, Feb. 6, for the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business’ annual Business Week, sponsored by RBC Centura.Putt, who is based in Raleigh, serves as president of RBC Centura, where she has primary responsibility for the bank’s personal and business banking network, commercial markets, specialty sales groups, mortgage, commercial real estate and RBC builder finance programs. Prior to joining RBC Centura, she was the Southeast business banking executive for Wachovia, where she managed two regional business banking segments across three states. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of South Carolina.With over 20 years of commercial banking experience, Putt shared some advice with students on achieving success in the financial industry through hard work, determination and a willingness to go beyond what is expected. “Give 150%. Take the extra assignments,” she said. “Don’t focus on the next step, but instead focus on the job at hand. If you do your job well, doors are going to open for you.”Putt’s successful career was a particular inspiration to several female students participating in a mentoring program through the school.”A lot of times, you see that the head honchos in business tend to be male,” said junior trust and marketing major Megan Melton. “It’s great to see that a woman can get that far.”Lydia Butler, a sophomore business administration major, agrees. “It’s a little intimidating to meet someone like Drew Putt,” she said. “She’s overcome a lot of obstacles as a woman to achieve her position.”For the third year in a row, RBC Centura has sponsored the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business’ Business Week events. Putt and RBC’s regional president of the Triangle commercial group Rob Hammersly presented a check for $10,000 to Dean Ben Hawkins at Tuesday’s presentation. The Business Week events include a panel forum with area business leaders, including Bob Barker of the Bob Barker Company; Billy Woodard, Chairman of Fidelity Bank; Carol Yochem, Vice President of Wealth Management for First Citizens Bank; and Leigh Duque, Chief Development Officer for The Girl Scouts-NC Coastal Pines. The week culminates Thursday with an afternoon of games as students compete for the Fetterman Cup.Photo Copy: Drew Putt and Rob Hammersley of RBC Centura present a check to Dr. Ben Hawkins to sponsor the 2008 Business Week for the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business.
RBC Centura president speaks to Campbell business students