2014 Most Influential Women Honoree: Summer Massey

When Summer Massey joined Arvest Bank in December 2012, she brought more than a decade of banking experience and a background in cheese.

Massey, senior vice president and commercial loan manager at Arvest, didn’t start out as a banker. Her first job after college was in quality control at Kraft Foods, where she was introduced to total quality management, a team approach to understanding one’s role in the entire business process. Knowing how she fit into the bigger picture resonated with her, and as she moved into business and banking – earning an MBA in the process – Massey has incorporated that concept into the leadership of her team.

“Once an individual knows the why of the endeavor, how they fit in the big picture and feels that their perspective is understood, then I help them set goals and create a strategic plan,” she says. “A strategic plan can be as big or small as is needed, but it must be made up of goals, which are specific, meaningful, attainable and trackable.”

Change always creates some stress, Massey says, but strong leadership can help team members navigate a shifting environment.

She believes following a leader is a choice, and she strives to create a bigger picture.

“Even in situations where someone is required to report to a manager, it is still the subordinate’s choice to follow,” Massey says. “When I have chosen to follow a leader, I’ve found a fundamental question has to be answered: Where do I fit in the bigger picture?”

Massey focuses on listening to truly understand what an employee or customers want to accomplish so she can do her part to help them achieve their goals. And while she is proud of her personal success, it is her staff that stands out.

“I find my proudest professional accomplishment is the team we have built at Arvest,” Massey says. “They are smart, talented folks, and I’m most proud when I see my influence – coaching, mentoring, strategic planning – shaping teammates’ behaviors to deliver meaningful solutions.”

Massey believes a strong, revitalized center city is critical to a thriving Springfield and participates in urban redevelopment, both as a banker and a volunteer. She is on the executive committee of Urban Districts Alliance and served for many years on Springfield Finance and Development Corporation’s loan committee as well as on the executive board for the Downtown Springfield Association.

As a member of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Massey serves on the government relations and emerging issues committees, and she has volunteered for the Rotary Club of Springfield Downtown during her seven years of membership.

Outside of Springfield, Massey just started her second three-year term on the statewide board for the Missouri Council on Economic Education.[[In-content Ad]]