Haub retires after 45 years in banking

Reta Haub had just graduated from West Washington High School in 1973 when she landed a job at Farmer Citizens Bank. She was hired to do bookkeeping by Kent Simpson, branch manager at the time, and she loved what she did.

That’s one of the reasons she was hesitant when he approached her years later to come upstairs and become a teller. She was a bookkeeper from 1973-77.

However, once she accepted at his urging, she knew she had made the right decision.

“I loved being a teller!” she said. “I fell in love with the customers.”

She was a teller from 1978-1991 and became teller supervisor from 1992-1995 and was moved to the desk side of the business as a sales associate in 1996. She worked in that position for three years and then was asked if she’d be interested in an assistant manager position when a spot became available at the Campbellsburg branch.

“I never thought I’d be a manager,” she laughed. “But, I live out that way and thought I’d give it a try.”

She worked as the assistant manager from 2000-2003. In 2004, she was hired as the branch manager and worked in that position for a year. She was also a licensed annuity rep in 2004-05 at all four branches.

In 2006, the company needed a manager at the Salem branch.

“I thought, ‘No way! That’s a big bank!’” she said. “Big banks intimidated me.”

She knew the position would be more than just working at the bank, she would also have to be active in the community. However, they asked her to name her price, she did and they accepted and moved her to Salem.

She has seen many changes in the bank over the years, including name changes. In 1992, the bank became National City Bank and in 2011, it changed to PNC.

“I’ve always loved my job,” said Haub. “I’ve enjoyed every position I’ve held. I love the customers, the employees, bosses and business partners.”

She said she cherishes the friendships she has made and the time they’ve spent together.

“I thank everyone, past and present, employees and bosses who have helped groom me to manage one of the largest branches in southern Indiana.”

Haub has worked with Patty Renaker for 38 of her 45 years at the bank. When asked what she had to say about her long-time friend and coworker retiring, Renaker said, “I’m jealous! But really, congrats to her. It is well-deserved. We have learned a lot together.”

Haub said she feels like she grew up at the bank.

“I’ve seen so many changes!” she laughed. “But the biggest was definitely changing everything over to computers!”

Awards Haub has received in the banking field include Top Teller in 1997 for most sales referrals in all of southern Indiana, 2000 and 2001 she was assistant manager of the year for all of southern Indiana. In 2003 she was named Employee of the Month for all of southeast Indiana. 

She received the Market All-Stars Retail Award and Circle of Excellence Award for Kentucky and southern Indiana.

Haub received the Circle of Excellence Award in 2010, 2011 and 2015, which means she is one of the best across the retail bank in sales, service and leadership performance.

“That award means you are one of the best in your market,” she said. “It is the biggest award and top honor you can receive in the bank.”

She is a graduate of Awareness Washington County, is on the Hospital Foundation of Washington County board, where she serves as treasurer, is on the Ag Advisory Board for Purdue-Washington County Extension office and has served on the chamber board for nine years.

In 2014, Haub started a Touch Tomorrow Fund through the Washington County Community Foundation, which she is very proud of. 

Her donor story on the WCCF website states: “Having lived, worked and served in Washington County for many years now, Donnie and Reta have seen the true heart of the community. Working at the bank, Reta has come in contact with many of the community’s businesses and non-profit organizations. She says that she has ‘witnessed the struggles that many of them have trying to get funding. I have seen many of them come to the bank asking for donations, but, unfortunately, we could not possibly donate to everyone.’

It is because of Donnie’s and Reta’s desire to help eliminate some of this struggle that they have set up the ‘Donnie and Reta Haub Touch Tomorrow’ fund through the WCCF.”

“I started this fund as a way to help to give to people in order to help them achieve their dreams and goals so that Washington County can become a better place for future generations,” said Reta. 

When asked what made her decide now was the time to retire, she said she broke her ankle last summer and was out for three months. 

“I was going to wait until I was 65,” she said. “But during that time off I had no stress, no worries, no meetings, etc. and I kind of liked it!”

She is looking forward to a more relaxed schedule and the ability to take trips with family and friends whenever she wants.

Brooke Oakes has taken Haub’s position at the bank and officially started her new role June 4.

She said she is looking forward to her new role, but will miss Haub’s leadership.