With the hiring of Sara Kirkpatrick,TCA Compliance is enhancing the consulting it provides to banks on CRA compliance topics. TCA Compliance is a full-service company that provides A Better Way for banks to manage their compliance obligations.
Kirkpatrick brings firsthand knowledge of first-time homebuyers and CRA programs.
She initially anticipated working at a non-profit or a government agency after graduating from Covenant College in Chattanooga, Tenn., with a major in community development and a focus on alleviating domestic poverty. Kirkpatrick’s goal was to make an impact on her community.
However, a job posting for a community development specialist at a regional bank in Virginia piqued Sara’s interest. It offered the chance to use her skills to advance her community service goals while building a meaningful career.
There, she worked on a first-time homebuyer initiative for low-income residents and administered funds from the bank’s charitable arm for community development initiatives.
“My work in Virginia gave me a firsthand understanding of how banks can address community needs and a rewarding way to put my education into practice,” she says.
After returning to her hometown, Savannah, Ga., Sara started working as a CRA/Community Development Associate for TCA Compliance. Her unique background helps banks comply with CRA requirements that lift and strengthen communities and their residents, which she finds gratifying.
“I don’t consider my compliance work as a departure from my original career goals, but as a way to have a greater impact by ensuring responsible banking practices across multiple banks,” says Kirkpatrick.
“Sara offers tremendous insight and skills to banks looking to enhance their CRA programs and deepen their community ties,” comments Michelle Strickland, TCA Compliance’s Managing Partner/Co-President.
