William Smith

William G. Smith, 46, 1977 public administration graduate of N. C. Central University, was named president and CEO of Mutual Community Savings Bank on July 2. On July 26 he was elected a member of the Board of Directors for Mutual.

Smith believes where marketable business opportunities arise, Mutual can lead NCCU to success.

In 1994 Mutual made a pledge of $100,000 to NCCU to be paid over the course of 10 years to provide scholarships.

There are also a number of NCCU graduates employed on Smith’s team working to making a difference at NCCU.

As employment opportunity develops at Mutual, Smith said he welcomes qualified NCCU graduates to apply for positions on his team. He also offers Mutual services to any potential customer, where he promises customers are always first.

Mutual has two branches in Durham, located on Chapel Hill Street and Fayetteville Street, offering free college accounts.

Aside from Smith’s responsibilities at Mutual, he makes time for the community. Smith has actively served as chair on NCCU’s Board of Trustees for seven years. He names this service his “most rewarding community activity.” He also works diligently raising money for NCCU’s fund campaign.

“I want to give back to NCCU for all that it has given to me,” said Smith. He said he plans to continue serving on NCCU’s Board of Trustees as long as he is re-elected. Smith said he expects great things with NCCU’s new Chancellor and gives praise to former Chancellor Julius Chambers for setting the standard.

Smith’s 24 years of banking experience and goals of becoming CEO are what attracted him to this position. Smith said he sees potential in the community through the assistance of Mutual.

Energy, work ethic, and business development attitude are a few personal qualities Smith brought to Mutual.

William V. “Bill” Bell, Mutual’s chairman, said he believes Smith came along at the right time for the right job.

“He’s very energetic, positive, upbeat, outgoing, and customer friendly,” said Bell, a Board of Trustees member with Smith. “When Smith is given an obstacle, he views it as a challenge, that’s what I like about him.”

Smith said the most rewarding aspect of his job is being able to do what he loves while making a difference in the community.

Smith said he would like to project a positive image for both community and Mutual.

“Right now Mutual can only progress, because there’s no room for unrewarding experiences,” said Smith.

Smith is not the only person who has hopes for a better Mutual. Fellow employees and customers are also enthused over Smith’s arrival.

“Excitement, new vision, enthusiasm and new attitude are limited words that describe what Smith has brought to Mutual,” said Latondra Gregory, branch manager.

“Experience in community service, contacts, new energy, employee support and most importantly commitment are all things I expect Smith will bring to Mutual,” said James Wall, treasurer.

According to Smith, customer service, competitive products and improving Mutual’s image through technology are his main concerns.

With only two months under his belt, Smith has already made numerous noteworthy changes. He hopes Mutual will be known for superior service and customer focus.

Smith said his goals are tripling assets, while running the best community bank in the history of North Carolina.