Meet the Board: Q & A with LBA's Chairman-Elect Gary Littlefield of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company

As he begins his year as LBA's Chairman-Elect, Gary Littlefield tells us about the biggest challenges he thinks banks face today and his goals for the Association for the upcoming year.

We quizzed Gary below, but first, take a look at his impressive CV:

• Graduate of Louisiana Tech with a degree in finance and the Graduate School of Banking.
• Started his career in banking with Louisiana National Bank in June of 1981.
• Named Market President of Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company for the Greater Baton Rouge Region in 2006. 
• Active in numerous community activities over the past 37 years, including serving terms as Board President for the Crisis Intervention Center in Baton Rouge, President of the Estate and Business Planning Council and President of the Sales and Marketing Executives of Baton Rouge.
  
   

Q & A with Gary Littlefield

LBA: How did you first get into banking?

Littlefield: My friend growing up was Bob McConnell with Feliciana Bank and Trust. Bob encouraged me to become a community banker when I was in high school. I started my career as a management trainee with Louisiana National Bank in June of 1981. I worked in retail for eight years and then business banking. I moved to City National Bank in 1991 to work as a private banker. CNB was acquired by Bank One in 1997 and I was a business banker there until I joined Hancock Bank in 2000. I was head of commercial lending until 2006, when I left to become Baton Rouge Market President for Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company. My entire banking career has been in the Baton Rouge area.

Littlefield: I have always admired the leadership that previous and current board members and chairmen have provided to our profession and I wanted to be a part of that. My first time to serve on the board was 2010-2013 representing the Capital Region.

LBA: What are the biggest challenges faced by banks today?

Littlefield: The main challenge is dealing with regulations that have many unintended consequences to our clients and the amount of money banks have to spend yearly on compliance. This money could be utilized better by providing additional services and hiring front line folks who take care of the customers. The other challenge is the continued mergers/acquisitions that our industry is facing. I believe that a small, main street bank is vital to a community’s health. Sometimes that connection can be lost in an acquisition from an out-of-town bank.

LBA: What are your goals for the Association for the upcoming year?

Littlefield: Continue the mission of community banking in the state. Push hard for contributions to both of the LBA PAC’s. Continued advocacy and education at both the state and federal levels of government. 

LBA: How do you spend your free time?

Littlefield: When I do have time to play, you will find me at a local golf course with friends or clients. I also enjoy shooting skeet, trap and sporting clays. I have been involved with both sports to help nonprofits raise money in our community.