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By ERIC AYRES
WHEELING -- Ohio Valley native Donnie Sheller spent more than two decades honing his skills and ascending through the ranks in the banking industry, and today, he is a key player on the leadership team at a local institution that credits success on its strong relationships with its customers and the community it serves.
Sheller, 45, is the Chief Operating Officer and Information Security Officer at Main Street Bank. A 23-year veteran in banking, Sheller has worked at Main Street Bank for the past five years. He currently manages all branches, product and service delivery, deposit operations, customer service, analytics and user access.
"My days are usually worked in a fast-paced environment that changes every day," Sheller said. "I educate employees on resolving customer inquiries. I test and manage projects for new and exciting products or services that will benefit the bank's customers while enhancing Main Street Bank in the community. I focus on providing exceptional customer service to every customer, and I make sure all operational aspects of the bank are running efficiently.
"I am fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to be innovative with my job every single day."
This mindset helps him look forward to taking on new challenges every day on the job.
"My favorite motto is always be early for work because it creates positive habits in other areas of your life," he said.
Sheller was born and raised in the Ohio Valley and had his first employment opportunity at the age of 15.
"My supervisor at that time was the ideal role model for young, ambitious people who wanted to work," he said. "I've found that friends, family and general acquaintances are all great reasons to stay in the area, but it is truly priceless to find an employment opportunity that makes you want to stay in the area. Being happy with your work and what you do every day creates life-changing opportunities on both professional and personal levels."
It also helps to recognize and appreciate everything the area has to offer, Sheller said.
"There are many bright spots in the Ohio Valley that come to mind right away," he said. "It's clearly evident that the local municipalities are trying their very best to make the Ohio Valley a beautiful place to live and work as they have either accomplished their goals or have plans to accomplish their goals in the near future. Seeing The Highlands area continue to grow is a great thing for the residents of the Ohio Valley and for the businesses that have space there. I can also see the local city officials trying hard to make the parks and recreational areas of the Ohio Valley better for kids and adults, which is very important to a lot of people."
For young adults just entering the workforce, Sheller offered some sound advice.
"I would tell anyone to take pride in their work, always be early for work, dress for success and do not get disappointed if things don't go the way you were anticipating.
"This just gives you another challenge in life that you should respond to and overcome. The best lessons to learn are from unsuccessful attempts."
Aside from his work at Main Street Bank, Sheller remains active in the local community in a number of ways. He is currently an advisory board member for the Salvation Army -- Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Tyler Counties. He also is a former board member of The March of Dimes, WV Chapter.
Through the years, Sheller said he has learned valuable lessons in life and have tried to apply them to his career.
"I used to love traveling for work as there were growth opportunities for employment and to enhance my skill sets," he said. "I've learned through time that it has an adverse impact on family and friends, and it also creates a lot of missed opportunities in the local community. I'm pleased to say that Main Street Bank affords me the opportunity to spend the majority of my time in the local area and that creates a wonderful work-life balance with family and friends. I've also taken that opportunity to give back to the community by joining The Salvation Army's Advisory Board and by supporting and participating in many local community events."
Sheller said his career here has helped him see a bright future for himself, Main Street Bank and the area he calls home.
In addition to his active life in the community, Sheller has a busy life at home, as well. He is married with three children ages 18, 15 and 12, and the family has two dogs, two cats, two turtles and one guinea pig.