As Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of Trustmark Bank’s Dogwood Branch in Flowood, Tydrina (Ty) Robinson was there when the branch opened in April 2006, guiding the branch through its formative years and making a name for herself in the process.

Robinson began her career at Trustmark as Assistant Branch Manager at the Jackson Main Branch in downtown Jackson five and a half years ago. Nearly two years later, she transferred to Trustmark’s Deville branch, where she served as Assistant Branch Manager for a year. “While at the Deville location,” Robinson says, “I often ‘floated’ from branch to branch throughout the Jackson Metro area, filling in for other managers as needed. It’s fair to say that I’ve worked in just about every Trustmark branch location in the Jackson Metro area! That proved to be an invaluable experience, affording me the opportunity to see the differences in customer needs among various communities. When word got out that a new branch was being built in the Dogwood area of Flowood, I applied for the job and was hired as the Branch Manager.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Robinson’s parents, who were born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, decided that a slower pace was in order for their family, and they moved the family back to Philadelphia when Ty was 15. After graduating from high school, Robinson attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned a Business Administration degree with an emphasis in banking and finance.

“I took a job as a Credit Manager with Wells Fargo Financial straight out of college,” Robinson says, “working in the Jackson office near the Metrocenter Mall. While at Wells Fargo, I learned all aspects of finance, which helped me transition into the banking environment. After a year, I left Wells Fargo for AmSouth Bank, where I worked as an Assistant Branch Manager for three years prior to coming to Trustmark.”

What was – and is – the appeal of banking to Robinson?

“Immediately prior to graduating from high school, my mother took me to open my first checking account,” Robinson recalls, “and I enjoyed the entire process. I saw right then that in the banking field, you can give advice to assist people with matters of extreme importance. I wanted to be that ‘specialist’ for my customers! Helping with those crucial financial decisions and offering people sound information to help them make the right choices is what I enjoy doing every day.” Obviously a fateful day in the life of the young Ty Robinson!

With the economy the way it is and people handling their financial decisions more cautiously, is the banking industry any different or more challenging now? “Sure,” Robinson responds. “I’m spending a little more time with customers and giving more advice than in the past. It’s more than just financial advice I’m giving; oftentimes it’s personal advice too, which is somewhat new for me. So, yes, there have been new challenges. But I love what I do. I’m upfront and honest, and I believe I have developed a level of trust with my customers that they appreciate. I’m passionate about knowing my customers, understanding their real needs and developing solutions to help them.” Robinson does admit, however, that with banking regulations as rigid as they are today, there are some things that just cannot be done anymore. “It’s tough turning someone down, on a loan for example,” she says. “Still, I make suggestions to my customers and point out other options that are available; I want to help if I can.”

What might be next for Ty Robinson in her career? “I love being a Branch Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations and helping customers,” she says. “The next step may be commercial lending or regional management, but at this point, I’m content with what I do and plan to do it for as long as I can. Being a Branch Manager is really similar to owning your own business; I’m given autonomy to make this branch profitable and successful. One day, I think I would like to own my own business, but I’m undecided as to what it would be!” she laughs. “What I do now is more than satisfying.”

“Very busy!” is Robinson’s answer when asked what a typical day is like. “I start the day by visiting with my staff. I’m a hands-on manager; I like to help out at the teller window, for example, if necessary, and am always offering assistance. Most of the time my associates tell me ‘No’ when I offer,” she laughs, “but that’s just how I like to manage my branch, leading by example. I do a lot of daily planning, developing and analyzing reports and consulting with existing customers and potential clients in and outside the office. I also regularly participate in local chamber activities. I love working for Trustmark, I must add. So many of the people who work for this wonderful organization have been here all of their working lives, and I believe that speaks volumes to the type of company Trustmark is. Many Trustmark associates have worked for the company for 30 or 40 years; I hope I can say that at some point as well.”

Ty is also very active in her community, participating in various volunteer activities with many civic organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Trustmark’s Adopt-A-School program and Habitat for Humanity, just to name a few. She is also a Diplomat with the Flowood Chamber of Commerce and serves on the promotions and events committee.

Ty and her husband Earl have an eight-year-old daughter, Amaya (“She is in the gifted program at her school,” the proud mother points out), and they attend Pinelake Church in Brandon. The Robinson family enjoys traveling and various other family-oriented activities. One of her personal hobbies, Robinson admits, is shopping. Another activity high on her list of favorites, surprisingly maybe, is bowling. “I love to bowl,” she laughs. “It’s a great stress reliever!”

Ty Robinson is an example of the sharp and conscientious young Metro executive who will one day be at the top of her profession. Business-savvy, yes, and a successful manager, but she is also a genuinely nice person who cares about the customers with whom she interacts daily.

“I wouldn’t want to do anything else,” she says.