Doug Sprecher, Sales and Client Experience Manager
People First. Community First. Forever First.
These words reflect my employer’s commitment to the people, businesses and communities who rely on us to be the best bank we can be. That’s why I’m proud that First Citizens Bank, headquartered here in Raleigh, continues to believe that one of the best investments we can make for our community’s continuing success is supporting public education and the work of WakeEd Partnership.
First Citizens has served North Carolina for 121 years, so we know the difference public education has made and is making in our communities.
Vibrant public schools are a critical engine for furthering economic growth. They serve to better the lives of local employees and their families as well as the community at large. Public schools provide a solid educational foundation so the young people of today are prepared to be successful at companies like First Citizens in the years to come.
First Citizens understands that working in a community means being part of that community. Everywhere we do business, First Citizens and our bankers are involved with people and organizations, such as WakeEd Partnership, focused on helping build stronger, more prosperous and healthier communities for all.
This is also the reason that First Citizens sponsors Teen Cancer America (TCA), which partners with hospitals to create treatment and recovery spaces for teens and young adults with cancer. At many medical centers, this age group is treated either in wards for much younger children or much older adults. TCA is helping to bridge this gap by providing facilities and programs designed especially for them. I’m glad to say that First Citizens recently established new local TCA partnerships with Duke Cancer Institute and UNC Lineberger Cancer Center – so that more young people in our community have the opportunity for even better care.
Families are the foundation of this country: They think about tomorrow so they can make wise decisions today. First Citizens understands the challenges families face because we share them. As one of America’s largest family-controlled banks, helping families through organizations like TCA and WakeEd Partnership is the heart of what we do.
Let me close on a personal note: As a father of grown daughters who have benefited from public education in Wake County, I’m so appreciative of the significant work of WakeEd Partnership. Through the years, this organization has consistently engaged the business community in a shared mission to improve and champion public education. And its mission is more important than ever today.
