Women’s History Month Interview with Ronda McDowell

Meet Your Banker
Ronda McDowell Sandy Spring Bank

This Women’s History month, Sandy Spring is shining a light on some of our remarkable women leaders. Meet Ronda McDowell, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer. Ronda sat down with Sandy Spring to share about the woman who inspires her most and the legacy she hopes to leave.

  • What makes a great leader?

    I think a great leader is someone who has the ability to influence, to motivate, to listen. I think that’s really key – listening. And someone who focuses on building relationships and who builds relationships at all levels regardless of what role you have in the company.

  • Who is the most influential woman you know and what about her makes her so impactful?

    There’s a lot of women in my career and in my life that have certainly influenced me, but I’d have to say my mom is probably the most influential. She was a single mom raising 4 kids, and she taught me resilience. She taught me a strong work ethic. And on top of that, she is the kindest person I know.

  • Why did you choose Sandy Spring Bank?

    The culture and people have kept me here for 27 years. There’s no question about that. But when I started, I saw the opportunity to contribute to a really growing company so that was extremely exciting, and I think it still is today.

  • What is something you wish you would have known early in your career?

    A lot! I think early in my career, I wish I had taken advantage of mentorship opportunities. I think it’s really key to get a mentor early in your career. And while I’ve had a lot of mentors probably later in my career, I think I would have benefitted much earlier so I would encourage anybody to get a mentor early.

  • How do you give back to your community?

    I’ve had both a professional and personal relationship with Habitat for Humanity for about a little over 12 years. I do believe in their mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable housing. I’m fortunate that I serve on the Women Build committee, which brings together 50 teams of 10 women to build homes for lower income families. This year our goal is to raise $300,000.

  • What impact do you hope to have on others?

    I really hope that I can help people excel and to help people reach their full potential. A lot of times we’re in our roles, and we don’t realize that we can do more and aren’t maybe given the opportunity to do more. I like to help people in realizing that they can.

The opinions and statements expressed by Ronda McDowell reflect her own views and do not necessarily represent the views of Sandy Spring Bank.

Habitat for Humanity and Women Build are not affiliated with Sandy Spring Bank.