WATSONVILLE — After five decades in the banking industry, Pam Zamani is calling it a career.
Santa Cruz County Bank’s Watsonville branch hosted a party for Zamani on Thursday, where she retired as vice president and relationship manager.
“I really enjoyed my career,” she said. “It’s been a good run.”
A native of Georgia, Zamani earned her teaching credential at Georgia Southern University. At age 22, she and some of her friends went on a trip to California, making their way to Watsonville.
It was there that she was offered a job at Bank of America in 1968. She also had a teaching offer at Santa Cruz City Schools, but noted that the bank was offering her $350 a month, $50 more than the school district.
“I wasn’t looking for a job, I was looking for a career,” Zamani said.
Zamani’s career also included a stop at Coast Commercial Bank before she came to Santa Cruz County Bank in 2004.
Bank President and CEO David Heald said Zamani was one of the first people he called when he was looking to form the bank in 2004.
“In all, we’ve worked together for the past 31 years,” he said. “On behalf of all of our team, it’s been a pleasure to work with Pam and we appreciate all she’s done to help grow the bank, build customer relationships and serve our community.”
Once she settles into retirement, Zamani, 72, said she plans to remain involved with the organizations she has supported over the years, such as the Red Cross and Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.
“I’ve had a great deal of experienced, talented colleagues that made my job easier,” she said.
