Not long after joining Forvis Mazars, Wichita alum Jerica Newby came to realize that a career in tax just wasn’t her thing. But thanks to the support and foresight of several colleagues, Jerica launched into an entirely new career path focusing on talent—one she absolutely loves and where she thrives.
Jerica, you went from a tax associate role to recruiting to Legacy Bank vice president of human resources in just a very few years. How did that come about?
I just love accounting, but to be honest, after a couple of busy seasons I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me. About that time, the campus recruiter in Kansas City, who also served the Wichita office, announced she was leaving. That resulted in the decision to have dedicated campus recruiters in both Kansas City and Wichita. I always enjoyed participating in office recruiting efforts, so a co-worker recommended me for the role, even though I had no formal HR experience whatsoever.
And you got the job …
Yes, and it was both terrifying and exciting at the same time. I remember (former Wichita Office Managing Partner) Bill Pickert saying, “Jerica, there’s no road map; you’re going to have to build the role and make it your own.” So, I poured everything I had into it. I wanted to understand everything about recruiting—how do we evaluate applicants, and why do we do things this way? I was working like crazy, but I loved it and that ultimately led to me expanding my foundation in the HR space. It was a pivotal time in my career to say the least.
And how did you come to Legacy Bank?
Well, I had a stop along the way. One day, a recruiter called me about an opening at a large industry organization in the area. It was an opportunity to help build out their newly centralized talent program. It was bittersweet to leave the firm, but I couldn’t resist the challenge.
And then you came to the bank?
Yes, and it involved Bill Pickert, retired managing partner, and current Managing Partner Steve Webb. They sent me the resume of a woman looking for an HR position to see if I had any leads. I talked with her a few times, and she wound up getting a great position with a great company. A few months later, she called me up, telling me about the VP of HR opening at Legacy Bank. I wasn’t sure I was interested, but she persisted, saying it would be a great match and, well, here we are.
What are some issues facing your industry?
It’s certainly not unique to banking, but I’d say it’s the ongoing war for people in a shrinking talent pool. I really strive to understand the dynamics. During my time at the firm, I sat down with educators from our local USD 259 school district. They said that the recruiting process now needs to start even before high school. That’s as early as seventh grade; kids are already ruling out industries early on. As a first-generation college grad, I found that to be powerful and a call to action.
So what can you do?
Employees’ expectations, especially in the aftermath of COVID, have changed. They are looking for authenticity and, despite what you hear about the gig economy, security. It’s more imperative than ever that an employee’s experiences and company culture align. We have to offer a road map that says, “If you come here, we’re going to pour ourselves into you and care for you and your best interests.” That may sound fluffy or naive to some, but I’m convinced if you lead with your heart, you get great results. That’s a bet I’m taking.
How are you better because of Forvis Mazars?
I’m better because of how much the people poured into me. People like Bill Pickert and Steve Webb saw potential in me when I wasn’t sure of myself. I wouldn’t be in the chair I’m in now without the foundational skills and business acumen my time at legacy firm BKD, now Forvis Mazars, afforded me. It’s helped me be a better communicator, business partner, decision maker, and even gives me a little street cred when talking to my leaders. And even though it’s not in public accounting, Forvis Mazars opened the pathway to a career I just love.
More About Jerica Newby
- Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas
- Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Wichita State University
- Joined legacy firm BKD, now Forvis Mazars, as a tax associate in Wichita in 2017
- Sits on the Wichita State University Business School Dean’s Alumni Board and the Wichita State Office of Career and Professional Development Advisory Board
- Previously chaired the Young Professionals Board of the Wichita Chamber of Commerce
- Helped spearhead the firm’s efforts to diversify campus pipelines through organizations such as the National Association of Black Accountants, ASCEND, Association of Latino Professionals for America, and others
- Is certified by the Society for Human Resources Management and serves on the Wichita SHRM board
- She and her husband, Tom, have a young daughter, Ayla
