Creativity and culture connect through art
Imagine a tapestry of creativity coming to life in a crowd-sourced art project. A new installation in our new Synovus Place flagship building, titled Uniquely Synovus, embodies the bank’s commitment to an inclusive culture where everyone—team members, clients and vendors—can leave their mark.
Participants personalize and attach the locks to a heart-shaped cutout, symbolizing strong relationships within the bank and the broader community. Each unique lock tells a story of the diverse contributions and shared experiences that make Synovus a special place.
Winston McQuaig, Katrina Renee Jackson, Kendall Brittingham, Syndey Jerome and Scott Ressmeyer cherish their relationships with the bank. Each added a lock to the wall, demonstrating their individual connection to Synovus.
Winston McQuaig, senior learning business partner
Winston McQuaig started his career at Synovus as a teller in 1977. “Jimmy Carter was president, and Elvis was alive,” he recalls. Forty-seven years later, he’s thankful he has been able to spend his entire career at Synovus. During this time, he met his wife, who also worked in the proof department, and became a dad to two sons.
Placing his lock on the wall meant so much to him as he had been a team member for more than half his life. “I have the key to the lock to remind me of this commitment. Seeing the locks with names and years of service reminds me of the team members who pour their hearts into our culture,” McQuaig says.
Katrina Renee Jackson, consumer underwriter III
For 36 years, Katrina Renee Jackson has developed many relationships at the bank. “The heart wall symbolizes working toward a common goal, whether internally or externally,” she says.
She’s grateful for the support she has received from her team. She recalls when a family member passed away, she received calls of condolences, and the kind gestures meant the world to her. “This makes Synovus special to me,” she emphasizes. “The love, concern and care the company’s leaders and team members have for each other is encouraging.”
Kendall Brittingham, product manager and Sydney Jerome, treasury management product analyst
Kendall Brittingham and Sydney Jerome traveled to Synovus Place recently to meet their team, celebrate their achievements and plan for the future. However, the highlight of the trip was seeing the heart wall and adding their locks. The experience transformed their visit into something unforgettable. “It’s a beautiful visual celebration of every team member, allowing us to leave a lasting mark,” Brittingham shares. With a decade at the bank, she appreciates how the company’s commitment to inclusivity makes her feel valued and empowered to give her best every day.
Jerome agrees wholeheartedly. She's been with the bank for two years and sees the heart wall as an emotive symbol of the company's spirit and its exceptional team. “Culture matters a lot to me,” Jerome says. “We have a supportive culture that has enabled me to develop strong relationships, helping me grow personally and professionally.” Their shared experience celebrates individual contributions and emphasizes the powerful bonds that make the bank a great place to work.
Scott Ressmeyer, co-owner of Country’s BBQ restaurant
Scott Ressmeyer has been a Synovus client for more than 50 years. When he decided to buy into a local restaurant in 1988, Country’s Barbecue, the bank was the only option for a loan because he knew his banking relationship would make the process less daunting. “I’ve never felt like I was talking to a banker because it’s like talking to a friend. That’s important to me,” Ressmeyer says.
“I was at Synovus Place for a meeting when I saw the heart wall. I thought it was a cool idea. I was honored the team asked me to add a lock. They made me feel like family.”
Read more about how Synovus team members are enabling people to reach their full potential.