Salute to Service: Carla Trombly

Our customers and communities benefit greatly from the perspectives, commitment, and drive to succeed that our veteran team members deliver – and we’re proud they chose Synovus for their post-military career.

From serving our country to serving our customers, we spoke with several of our Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG) team members to see how they utilize the knowledge gained in the military in their roles.

Reporting for duty

“In the military, you are nothing without your company or platoon,” says Director, Branch & ATM Channel Optimization Carla Trombly. “Everyone wins – or loses – together.” Carla learned about loss early. “I was 16 when my father passed away, leaving my mom a widow with three kids.” She recalls a day shortly after when the principal at her high school in Gloucester, MA, spoke to students about the Army Reserve. “I had a desire to become self-sufficient, to be less of a financial burden on my mother.”

“We need to do more for all our veterans, whether they served in combat or not. I feel we are doing that at Synovus, which makes me happy.”

Unfamiliar career terrain

Enlisting right out of high school meant that Carla completed her term in the Reserve when her classmates were searching for their first or second job after college. “I joined the Army Reserve when I was young and vulnerable, immediately after a family trauma,” she says, “so the training and what it did for me as a person are a big part of who I am.” Carla knew her military training translated to private sector skillsets, but it was sometimes hard to articulate the value to potential employers. “I don’t think most people understand just how extensive our training is. A job requiring a bachelor’s degree can be filled by someone with military experience. It’s not just the technical skills, but time management, emotional intelligence, and the ability to think through difficult situations and be a team player.”

While the military provided a set of tools to help her emerge from the loss of her father, it also gave her a vantage point to witness her fellow soldiers confront their own traumatic experiences. “I didn’t serve in combat or overseas, but a lot of my company did. These brave men and women give everything – put everything aside. We need to do more for all our veterans, whether they served in combat or not. I feel we are doing that at Synovus, which makes me happy.”

A new mission, a new team

Carla eventually found a home for her training with Florida Community Bank (FCB) in Naples, which Synovus acquired in 2019. “FCB was a smaller bank, so during the acquisition process, I got to spend time with Kessel Stelling, Kevin Blair, and other members of leadership. Kevin and Kessel brought up my military experience in our first introductions, which was not only refreshing but also settled some nerves as my employer was being acquired.”

After the Veterans Employee Resource Group launched at Synovus, Carla volunteered to serve on the mentorship committee. In this role, she challenges women veterans to raise their hands more often. “We are – bashful isn’t the right word – but less likely to speak up. We need women veterans to have more exposure.” To all those who have served, Carla says, “Synovus doesn’t just respect the opinions of veterans. They ask for it. This is true for our team members and our customers. If you aren’t working in a company that encourages your skillset and works with you to develop it, I think you’re missing out.”