Regions Bank Announces Winner of Company's Highest Honor for Community Involvement
Kay Goke is not only a digital banking pro. She's an incredible volunteer firefighter, a passionate supporter of military families and more.
Regions Bank on Monday announced Digital Experience Researcher Kay Goke from the company's technology division has been honored with the 2025 Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award. This is the highest honor awarded among Regions' 20,000-member workforce, and it recognizes not only great professional dedication but also community involvement that goes well above and beyond.
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Kay Goke, winner of Regions Bank's Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award.
Regions Chairman, President and CEO John Turner presented the award to Goke at the bank's annual Chairman's Club celebration.
"Kay, I appreciate all you do to make a positive difference in your community while also shining a light on Regions' core values," Turner said. "Your story is an example for all of us, and it is our honor to raise awareness of your incredible service – while also sharing with you our deep and sincere gratitude."
The Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award, established in 2023, recognizes a Regions associate whose extraordinary volunteerism and outreach make a lasting impact in ways that are consistent with the bank's core values, including Do What is Right and Put People First. Longtime Regions associate Lee Ann Petty served as volunteer services coordinator in Regions' Community Engagement division. She passed away in 2020, but her commitment to serving others continues to inspire thousands of Regions associates.
Goke is based in northwest Louisiana – near Shreveport – and serves the bank's Technology, Operations, Digital and Data division by managing customer feedback on the bank's digital banking products and ensuring users have a positive experience.
More than that, she's a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for the Haughton, La., Fire Department, taking emergency calls on nights and weekends. Fire service is a big part of her life. But it's not her only passion. As a 17-year military spouse, Goke is also committed to serving her community – and country – through military support programs.
She's an active member of the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, which helps the community better serve the airmen at the local Barksdale Air Force Base. And she recently launched the first Regions Military Support Community in the Shreveport area. The outreach connects bank associates with opportunities to support Barksdale personnel and families.
Goke also volunteers at the Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning as an EMT test proctor. She is involved in the Junior Firefighter Program, which educates youth about careers in fire service. And she serves in a leadership role for a local youth camp, where she's currently helping launch a Regions Next Step® financial wellness program for the summer campers.
With all those impressive commitments, Goke reported 555 hours of volunteer service last year.
"Being there for people is extremely important to me, and service has always been a big part of my life," Goke said. "I don't do this for recognition. But I am thankful for a workplace that encourages and recognizes volunteerism. It directly aligns with our mission to make life better."
Before relocating to Louisiana, Goke was deeply involved in metro Birmingham, Ala., Regions' headquarters city, where she held a number of key roles at the bank. While volunteering as a public information officer for the Montevallo Fire Department in nearby Shelby County, she realized she would be a more effective communicator if she had a better understanding of the firefighter role. She underwent training. She was hooked.
After the move to Louisiana, she joined the Haughton fire department, and right away, she knew it was a good fit.
"Many volunteer firefighters don't stay long, due to the requirements and demands," said Haughton Fire Chief Jimmy Holland. "That's not the case with Kay. She makes us better because she's always working to do more."
Goke dove directly into supporting Regions' local teams in northwest Louisiana, too.
"Kay and I clicked immediately," said Denny Moton, Shreveport market executive for Regions. "I was excited about getting her involved in our community and with bank activities. I thought I was going to have to spend time introducing her and getting her engaged, but she has blazed her own trails, and we've been able to follow in her footsteps."
"Having support is critical for me to be able to do all this," Goke said. "The supportive team at Regions, the team at the fire department and my supportive team at home – they make it possible for me to make a real difference."
In recognition of Goke's service, Regions is making a $2,500 donation to the Haughton Firefighters Fund. She will receive a commemorative plaque and five bonus vacation days – to take time for herself after dedicating so much time to others.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $160 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.
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Media Contacts:
Jennifer Elmore
Regions Bank
Regions News Online: regions.doingmoretoday.com
Regions Media Line: (205) 264-4551