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Bank of Botetourt recently announced that D. Bruce Patterson has retired from its board of directors after serving 23 years, from 2001 to 2024.
Patterson joined the board as the bank expanded into the Rockbridge region and has overseen the bank’s total consolidated assets grow by nearly 377%, from $167 million in 2001, to more than $800 million as of March 31.
Joyce Kessinger, chair of the bank’s board of directors, said “On behalf of the entire board, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Bruce for his unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to the bank over the past 23 years. His efforts have had a profound impact on our bank, our employees, and our customers. We are a stronger institution because of his service, and I will miss working alongside him.”
During Patterson’s time on the board, the bank has opened seven office locations, two of which are in Rockbridge County, in Fairfield in 2004 and in Natural Bridge in 2008.
The bank also introduced its mortgage division, Virginia Mountain Mortgage, in 2016. During Patterson’s time on the board, he helped guide the bank through challenging times, including the Great Recession in 2008-2009 and the global pandemic in 2020.
“Serving on the bank’s board of directors for the past 23 years has been both a rewarding and educational experience that l am grateful to have had the opportunity to do,” said Patterson. “Through my time on the board, I have met countless people I would not have otherwise had the pleasure of meeting and I look forward to watching the bank continue to grow further.”
Patterson grew up on a farm in Rockbridge Baths and lives in Brownsburg. After graduating from Rockbridge High School, Patterson attended Virginia Tech University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration. He later attended graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University, earning his degree in business management. He returned to Rockbridge and ran for clerk of the Rockbridge County Circuit Court, a position he held from 1978 until his retirement in 2017.
Patterson’s commitment extended beyond the Bank of Botetourt, as he donated his time to various community organizations. His roles included directorship with the Rockbridge Area Housing Association, board membership with the Brownsburg Community Water Association, and participation in the Judicial Systems Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Virginia. His past leadership roles include presidency of the Brownsburg Ruritan Club, zone and district governorship of the Natural Bridge District Ruritan clubs, and presidency of the Rockbridge chapter of the American Heart Association.
