With more than 26 years of experience, Shea Ferland knew early on that she was destined to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Her mother, who worked in human resource management for nearly 40 years, inspired her to become a part of the immensely rewarding field of HR.
“I have been involved in various aspects of the human resource field due to my mother’s HR management position with a company in Midland,” said Ferland. “Her enthusiasm about what she was doing and allowing me to help her with so many tasks is what sparked my interest in HR.”
From oilfields to banking
Born and raised in Midland, Ferland attended the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in management and soon after, found herself following in her mother’s career footsteps.
Ferland kicked off her career as an HR assistant and file clerk at Great Western Drilling in 2003 and after three years was promoted to production accounting tech. In her HR position there, she handled various day-to-day tasks such as payroll processing, vacation requests and clerical support for management staff, to name a few.
In 2008, Ferland transitioned into the banking world and hasn’t looked back since.
She joined FirstCapital Bank of Texas as a human resources rep and in 2017, Ferland was promoted to senior vice president and HR manager. Today, she oversees employee relations, performance management, training for management and staff, development, payroll, benefits and more.
In 2012, Ferland received her certification in Professional in Human Resources from the Human Resource Certification Institute and in 2015, she received certification in Society for Human Resource Managers — Certified Professional from the Society for Human Resource Managers.
Since joining FCB, she has implemented new employee programs that have moved them forward by keeping a strong work culture and encouraging employees to be involved with the community such as the bank’s Community Impact Initiative.
“FCB encourages team members to find community involvement opportunities by offering team members monthly paid volunteer time,” added Ferland. “This time can be spent ‘on the clock’ volunteering at any nonprofit of the employee’s choosing.”
The Community Impact Initiative is available to all new employees. The program provides each new team member with money to purchase supplies for any local organizations of their choice, such as providing food to local animal shelters, art supplies for elementary schools or food for community food banks, to name a few.
Ferland currently serves on TBA’s Bank Leadership Council as the vice-chair and is an active volunteer for the Midland Junior Achievement program. In 2020, Ferland was honored with an Emerging Leader Award from the Texas Bankers Foundation for her outstanding leadership abilities.
“When I started with FCB in 2008, I did not know much about the banking industry. TBA has provided me endless resources and learning opportunities,” said Ferland. “From the conferences and relationships built with board and committee members, I have learned so much about the industry and have been able to hone my HR knowledge and skills to fit my bank’s needs.”
In addition, she has served on committees for organizations including Midland March of Dimes, TBA’s HR and operations conference planning committee and also participated in the Management Development Program Class XI.
Banking in Midland
Founded in 1998, FirstCapital Bank of Texas is a locally owned and managed independent community bank that serves communities and neighbors in West Texas, North Texas, the Texas Panhandle and the Texas Hill Country through offices in Amarillo, Burkburnett, Byers, Dallas, Henrietta, Horseshoe Bay, Fredericksburg, Lubbock, Marble Falls, Midland and Wichita Falls.
“We are here to help you achieve your financial, business and life goals and we have the highest quality products and services to help you do just that,” Ferland said.
Headquartered in West Texas, this community bank prides itself on putting its customers, employees, shareholders and communities above all and has made a name for themselves as the local Texas bank customers can trust.
“We know that by treating our employees with respect and providing them with a family-like atmosphere, they will in return do their best to serve the communities and customers we strive to help every day,” added Ferland. “Ultimately changing the lives of those in our services areas.”
FCB is a full-service, commercial bank that serves small to mid-range businesses as well as large corporations. The bank’s lenders have a unique understanding of the needs and challenges of oil and gas banking, as well as additional services such as retail banking, mortgage and private banking products.
In addition to the bank’s Community Impact Initiative, FCB offers employees a special growth opportunity through its YOUnique Leadership program. The yearlong program allows 10 individuals each year to focus on personal and career development by giving them the skills and knowledge they need to become strong, successful leaders within FCB. Participants who are accepted into the program attend six separate sessions throughout the year covering topics such as business manners, government relations and banking, leadership skills and more.
Outside of the bank
Ferland enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, whom she met while working at the Minor League Baseball stadium for the Midland Rockhounds during high school, as well as their black Labrador retriever, Mia.
The couple have now been married for 17 years and enjoy traveling, watching live sporting events and fishing.