With a formidable track record in finance and human resources, Gortria C. Banks has shown unparalleled expertise and an unwavering dedication to her work. But her true calling lies beyond the office – in the hearts and minds of her community. A native Memphian who graduated from the University of Memphis, Gortria spent 31 years in dedicated service to Shelby County Government (SCG) before retiring from her position as the Finance Administrator for General Sessions Civil and Criminal Court.
Throughout her tenure with SCG, Gortria proved herself to be a skilled and accomplished leader with a keen eye for identifying and addressing areas of inefficiency and oversight. In her first year as Finance Administrator, Gortria and her team identified almost $1M in costs that had not been disbursed to stakeholders and implemented new internal controls to prevent similar oversights in the future. Her expertise and leadership have been recognized not only within SCG but also in the wider community, with Gortria holding certifications as a Certified Public Administrator and a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional and pursuing certification as an SHRM-certified professional.
However, Gortria’s dedication to serving her community goes far beyond her professional achievements. With a fervent zeal for promoting diversity and empowering women, Gortria has dedicated herself to numerous volunteer roles that align with her personal values. Having recently concluded a successful two-year stint as Treasurer for the DWSC, she now looks forward to embarking on a fresh journey as the Vice-President for the DWSC and Treasurer for the Shelby County Democratic Party in 2023.
Gortria’s leadership philosophy is a refreshing departure from the standard corporate rhetoric. She understands that being a leader isn’t just about wielding power but about serving those you lead. It’s this belief that has guided her throughout her career at SCG, allowing her to rise through the ranks and become a C-level executive. Gortria’s experiences have given her a deep appreciation for the challenges of leadership, and she knows that success is not achieved through force but through perseverance, humility, and a commitment to one’s team. In addition, she knows that leadership is a journey, not a destination and that the key to success is staying focused on the goals, celebrating small victories, and weathering the storms with grace and determination. Gortria is a leader who inspires others to be their best selves and to work together towards a common purpose, and her unique perspective on leadership is sure to leave a lasting impact on all those she encounters.
Gortria’s journey was not an easy one. From the early days of her career, she faced rejection and obstacles at every turn. But rather than giving up, she doubled down on her efforts and poured herself into her work. Today, Gortria is a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and determination. But she is quick to point out that her success is not hers alone. She credits the many mentors and supporters who helped her along the way and is always looking for ways to give back to her community. For Gortria, true success is not about individual achievement but about using our talents and resources to lift up those around us.
