Inspired by her neighbors, a Kennewick resident started working in banking in the 1990s. Now, 30 years later, she’s built a career in banking and giving back to her community through both her banking work and her work with nonprofits.
Kathy Ruggles recently celebrated 18 years with Washington Trust Bank, where she serves as vice president and branch manager of the Kennewick Financial Center branch.
“I think the reason I love banking so much is because I have a passion for helping people,” Ruggles said.
Starting from scratch
When Ruggles started in banking, she had no experience in the industry.
“A neighbor asked me, ‘Hey, have you ever thought about working in banking?'” Ruggles recalled. “I hadn’t even thought about it, and he said, ‘I think you’d be great at banking.'”
She applied for a teller job that involved 17-hour shifts, was hired and quickly began learning what she needed to know on the job. “It was just natural for me,” she said.
She loved banking and was quickly promoted, becoming a vault attendant within the first six months. “There were opportunities for promotion, so I grabbed every opportunity,” she says.
From there, she became a vault clerk, operations manager, assistant manager, and by 2000, manager and then vice president.
“I’ve worked my way up,” Ruggles said of her career, “and I’ve done all the work it took to get to where I am now.”
She also had the opportunity to learn more, from courses in small business banking to classes with the Washington Bankers Association. “I love banking, so I’ve always wanted to go further,” she says.
Ruggles also loves the opportunity to help and serve people’s customer experience through banking, and his ability to do that through his various roles continues to grow.
“I’m able to do more,” she said, “because when I first started, I was just doing everything I had to do and I didn’t have the luxury of making decisions. And now in my role, I can make decisions that are right for the bank and also right for our customers.”
Working at Washington Trust
Throughout her years working at various jobs and banks, Ruggles said she knew she wanted to eventually work at Washington Trust Bank. “I absolutely love working here,” she said.
The bank was established in Spokane in 1902, and the Kennewick branch was established in 2001. The Kennewick branch has 14 employees.
The proximity of the bank’s headquarters is another thing Ruggles appreciates: “The decisions are made locally,” she said. “… All of our executives are in Spokane, so it’s pretty close.”
Washington Trust has been family-run for four generations, and that influences decision-making, Ruggles said.
Because the Kennewick branch is the only Washington Trust branch in the Tri-Cities area, Ruggles said “being an ambassador for the community” is an important aspect of the bank’s work.
“One of the things I like about it is that they allow us to go out and volunteer in the community,” Ruggles said, “and all of our employees are required to volunteer and are paid to go out and volunteer in the community.”
Giving back
Prior to joining Washington Trust, Ruggles served on several local organization committees and boards over the years.
She has been involved with the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership since she served as bank manager in 1999. She currently serves on the Outreach Committee.
A few years ago, she served as president of the Lourdes Health Network Foundation and was on the hospital’s board of directors, and from there she connected with Heads Up Tri-Cities, a nonprofit organization that aims to meet mental health care needs in the Tri-Cities, and serves on the organization’s grants committee.
Ruggles is also a trustee of the Three Rivers Community Foundation, where he serves on the foundation’s Finance and Board Development committees. A client originally introduced Ruggles to the organization.
“Once they trust you enough with banking, they know there’s room for you on the board and they already have you on the board. They know you and they trust you financially,” she said.
In her years with 3RCF, she has watched the organization grow. “I’m giving back to something that’s really important to me,” Ruggles said.
Ruggles has served on the 3RCF board for eight years. He served the maximum six-year term on the board and was invited back after taking a one-year leave of absence, said 3RCF CEO Abby Cameron.
“She is thoughtful and careful, kind and wise, resourceful and eager to serve,” Cameron said. “She truly cares about this community, as is evident from her work on the Lourdes Foundation Board, the Heads Up Tri-Cities Board and the 3RCF Board. She has made a tremendous impact and worked hard to ensure our funds are put to the best possible use throughout the Tri-Cities.”
“A dream come true”
Ruggles’ service to others has been seen not only through volunteer work in the community, but also through the business of banking itself.
“Hire a banker, not just any banker,” she advised. “Hire a banker who can guide you, especially if you’ve never been taught about money.”
It’s part of what she’s accomplished in her banking career and what makes it so rewarding. “It’s a dream come true for me,” Ruggles said.
“What makes me happiest is knowing that I helped a young person and that 20 years later they have a home, they have a family and I may have set them on the right path to financial success,” she said.
Helping someone get their first home, start their own business, or simply providing a “road map” means a lot to her. “Those are all success stories,” Ruggles says.
Over the years, she has received numerous awards from both the bank and the community, and while it feels good to be recognized for her work, Ruggles says, “I don’t do it for the awards. I literally do it because it’s the right thing to do.”
