Monticia Prather Recognized with Trailblazer Award

“Focused” and “determined” are certainly words that describe Monticia Prather. But honestly, she’s so much more. Branch manager of our Margaret Street location in Plattsburgh, NY, Monticia focuses her determination on not just personal growth, but growth that lifts the people around her.

Her passion for progress is certainly appreciated by the people she works with every day—whether they’re colleagues, customers or community members. That’s why in January, Monticia was honored by the North Country Chamber of Commerce with the 2021 Trailblazer Award to recognize not just what she’s accomplished but how she’s done it.

“I’ve always just taken every opportunity and made it my own and have set goals for myself in order to strive and be in a position like the one that I’m in now,” she told the Press Republican. Monticia received the honor at a virtual ceremony where awards for Businessperson of the Year and Business of the Year also were announced.

Monticia started her career as a commercial insurance agent with OneGroup, which is part of Community Bank Systems, Inc. She later worked her way up from branch teller to branch manager in training to her current leadership role as branch manager. Her advice for young professionals? “If you really have something that you’re passionate about, you should definitely find the resources and a way to help get you there.”

The mother of a 9-year-old son, Monticia is actively involved with the United Way Adirondack Region’s campaign team and with the American Red Cross Eastern New York region.

“Needless to say, we are very proud of Monticia, because this is a prestigious honor,” Community Bank Regional Retail Banking Manager Kent Backus said. “She’s a very positive and uplifting person to be around, she’s very approachable and she’s the teammate everybody wants to have. Monticia is also a great advocate for the greater Plattsburgh community and the region. She truly represents everything we strive to be as a company.”

Monticia received a Bachelor of Science in individualized general studies from SUNY Plattsburgh with a minor in business and a focus on human resource management, educational issues and social awareness. She’s currently enrolled at Champlain College, where she will receive a Master of Science in human relations and organizational development and a Human Resource Leadership Certificate in May 2021.