John began his career with Wachovia Services, Inc. in 1981. Since then, he has been promoted to various positions from Customer Service Representative (CSR) to Manager of Conversion to, his current position, Information System Services and Support Manager.

John was on the fast track when he started with the company. Within his first year and a half, John was promoted from Forms Processor to Borrower Services Representative to Customer Services Representative. He remained in this position for four and half years. Although he was a CSR, he was assigned to the System IIISM design team. In this capacity, he worked in the MIS department and was responsible for the conversion of the loan data from the Wachovia System II to our current System III. Upon completion of this task, John was transferred back as a CSR where he worked with the first customers converted to System III.

John was selected to participate in the management training program at Wachovia in 1986. At this time, he also became the Supervisor of the Control and Reconciliation Group. He was responsible for new loans, advances, the collection process, and the Payment Reconciliation Group.

In 1988, John began his journey into the world of computers while working with the MIS department as the Manager for the Campus-based Conversion. "In fact, I was one of the first employees to receive a PC," he said. John managed the department that was responsible for converting loans for new and existing customers onto System III. At this time, John initiated the electronic transfer of loan data via magnetic tapes and also began the exploration of PC-related file transfers.

John is now the Manager of Information System Services and Support. One of his areas of responsibility includes managing the Help Desk. This department is designed to assist both internal and external customers on all electronic platforms including telephones, computers, and customer connectivity. All new products that have been or will be released will be supported by Help Desk staff. The customer may have questions regarding encrypted web-based access to the mainframe including on-line systems and all customer reports. "Additional services that will be available to our customers include providing FTP capability and web-based access to loan information," he said.

"Our goal is to provide resources that will enable our customers to access services through secure encrypted connections," he stated. And he added, "We are very excited about these areas as well as the pace in which we are moving." He believes his challenge is how to make these new products and services available to our customers with the level of service and support they deserve. John states that his philosophy is how we treat our customers is what differentiates us from our competitors. And keeping this in mind, we will be successful.

On a more personal note, you may recognize the name Jana Elliott who is a CSR as well as John’s wife. They recently had a baby named Lora Roxanne. John remarked, "I have been heavily involved with many customers for a very long time. I was overwhelmed by all the presents, cards, and electronic cards we received. Many people are more than just customers. Some of the customers I had when I was a CSR, Jana now has."

John loves the outdoors. He is an avid fisherman, enjoys working in his yard, and camping in the mountains. All events include the entire family, which includes his 6-year old daughter, Katherine, his 17-year old son, Joshua, and occasionally, his 20 year-old son, Robert.