Sponsored

Regan Liggins, Regions, Momentum — Regan Liggins (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Regan Liggins is a Birmingham native, a proud mom and an executive at Regions who’s also extremely active in the community.

She had been working at Regions for almost a decade when she enrolled in a leadership program that transformed her career and life.

Keep reading for her story.

Meet Regan Liggins, Momentum Executive Class 19

Regan Liggins, Momentum graduate, Momentum Executive Class — (L-R) Blair, Gracie + Regan Liggins (Regan Liggins)

Regan Liggins and her twin sister grew up on the western side of Birmingham in Bush Hills before heading to Atlanta for college.

A few years later, Regan’s twin moved to DC while Regan moved back to Birmingham—accounting degree in hand, met her husband Blair— a Tuskeegee grad and both began working at Regions.

Blair is involved with the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation, while Regan is on the board of Holy Family Christo Rey and serves as the audit committee chair of the Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega.

The couple has a 10-year-old daughter named Gracie and a Bernedoodle named Cookie. When they’re not taking their daughter to cheer practice, Girls Scouts or church, you’ll find them working out, meditating or crafting.

At Regions, Regan’s title is EVP, Head of Enterprise Operations and Technology Risk.

“As a risk manager, I help the bank make sound business decisions regarding our systems, processes and products to help protect the customer and the bank.”
Regan Liggins, EVP, Head of Enterprise Operations and Technology Risk, Regions

Deciding to participate in Momentum’s Executive Leadership Program

Huntsville's Executive Class — Momentum now offers Executive Classes in Birmingham + Huntsville. (Momentum)

Over the years, Regan had heard people speak highly of Momentum, a Birmingham-based (now statewide) nonprofit that advances women’s leadership. When the bank asked if she’d be interested in participating in their Executive Leadership Program, she said yes.

“I had been in that role for a while and was starting to think about what I wanted to do next in my career. I thought it was the right time and a good program to help me get clarity on my next steps.”
Regan Liggins, EVP, Head of Enterprise Operations and Technology Risk, Regions

She’s thrilled with her decision to enroll in Executive Class 19.

flip chart from Momentum Upward — Flip chart from a Momentum program. (Momentum)

Here is some of what Regan loved about the program:

Regular time away: Regan found herself looking forward to the day each month that was dedicated to the program, which became a time for her to reflect on her career and life.
Meaningful connections: Monthly days together over nine months, plus assignments in between led to bonding with the other participants.
Clarity on next steps: The program and the relationships she built allowed Regan to ask herself what attributes her next role would have and how she could navigate her next steps.
Mentorship: Encouragement to seek out mentors helped Regan as she moved toward the role she’s had for the past seven months.

In the end, her choice to participate in Momentum led to a new role, a sense of clarity and friendships she cherishes to this day.

“I still have relationships from that class—a circle of women that are where I am in my career, and we can talk about anything. I made some beautiful friendships—we can share real-life events with no judgment.”
Regan Liggins, EVP, Head of Enterprise Operations and Technology Risk, Regions

Four pillars of leadership development

Momentum Leaders, Regions — Momentum team: (L-R) Lindsey Setzer, Amy Gandy, April Benetollo, Katie Hannah, Andrea McCaskey, Tina Upshaw + Darla Morrison (Momentum)

To get a sense of what this organization is all about, I spoke with April Benetollo, CEO of Momentum.

She explained that all of their classes and programs follow the same four pillars of leadership development:

First pillar: Self-awareness, emotional intelligence + understanding how you’re wired.
Second pillar: Visualizing possibility—getting rid of self-limiting thoughts + identifying where your strengths + opportunities are.
Third pillar: Action planning, including setting goals, creating a reasonable growth plan and making sure you have the people + resources in your orbit who can help you achieve those goals.
Fourth pillar: Connecting with the broader community and the collective good, including mentoring someone else.

April explained that thanks to support from organizations like Regions (which has been a supporter since Momentum began over 20 years ago), they were able to give three times as many scholarships to this year’s conference.

They’re also starting a new program called Momentum Works—geared toward women from historically marginalized backgrounds.

Momentum has something for everyone

Momentum Upward, Regions — Upward is an early-career leadership program. (Momentum)

To anyone wondering if Momentum is worth it, Regan said there is something for everyone:

“Momentum offers a variety of programs that can fit you and where you are in your career, whether it’s the conference or the programs they offer, including the mentoring program, Men with Momentum or even some of the free programs.”
Regan Liggins, EVP, Head of Enterprise Operations and Technology Risk, Regions

And to someone considering whether they should enroll in a Momentum program, her answer is clear:

“Don’t think twice—do it. There’s no downside. There was no better way to invest in my career and myself, especially at that time in my career.”
Regan Liggins, EVP, Head of Enterprise Operations and Technology Risk, Regions

Explore opportunities at Regions + learn more about Momentum today.

Sponsored by: