Leaders to watch - June Kossow, Sunrise Bank

Bobby L. Hickman

April 1, 2008

June Kossow, senior VP and COO of Sunrise Bank of Atlanta, has been selected by Independent Magazine as one of its five national "Shining Stars" in community banking.

"It's pretty cool to be chosen, considering there are more than 7,000 community banks in the country," Kossow says. Independent Magazine said Kossow won the award based on "her commitment to quality, resourcefulness, integrity in business practices and community service."

The honor follows a 20-year career in banking. After working nights and weekends in the footwear department at a Florida K-Mart while she was in high school, Kossow landed a part-time position at a local bank. She has worked her way up over the years, joining Sunrise when it opened in June 2006.

"June's contributions in establishing our young bank were crucial, and she continues to play a vital role in growing assets and building personal relationships with our customers," says Charles H. Green, president of Sunrise Bank. "June is passionate about our clients and staff, and is focused on our mission every day."

Kossow says Sunrise is her third de novo operation. "At most community banks, when you ask someone what sets them apart, they usually reply, ‘Customer service.' But ... we're one of the few banks downtown open on Saturdays. Our customers have our cell phones, so they may call me or Charles at night or on the weekend. And we'll do the best we can to get their issues resolved when they call."

For Kossow, Sunrise combines "old-time banking values and new technology."

For example, Sunrise provides electronic deposit capabilities so clients are not required to visit the office at North Avenue and West Peachtree. "They can do business without having to drive in Atlanta traffic – especially now that the 14th Street bridge is closed."

Kossow has personal knowledge of that traffic, commuting daily from her home in Cartersville. Her ultimate goal is to start a bank in Cartersville, and she's in the right spot to make it happen. Sunrise is an affiliate of Capitol Bancorp Limited, a $4.9 billion, NYSE-listed bank development company that just opened its 62nd bank.

She said, "I love de novo banking, Capitol is in that business, and Cartersville is a growing area." It sounds like a good match for everyone.