As Regions marks Women’s History Month, two longtime leaders are closing out distinguished careers shaped by resilience, purpose and trailblazing leadership. Dana Nolan, head of Investor Relations, and Martha Raber, head of Enterprise Credit Risk, have spent decades building teams, strengthening the organization and opening doors for the next generation of leaders.
Though their paths have been very different, both forged success in fields historically dominated by men – and both leave legacies rooted in integrity, mentorship and service to their communities.
What were some of the earliest challenges you faced as a woman entering a heavily male‑dominated field, and how did you navigate them?
For Nolan, gender never felt like a barrier as she entered finance – largely because of how she grew up. “I was the only girl in a neighborhood full of boys,” she said. “As a result, I learned how to be physically tough and adapt to their style of play.”
In college, she again found herself surrounded mostly by men. “There were rarely women in my business classes, but I was probably preconditioned. I really didn’t pay much attention and never felt like I was treated differently – and that just continued into my early career.”
Raber, however, had a very different experience. Entering banking in the late 1980s, she was often the only woman on the team and faced deeply traditional expectations. A manager at a former firm once questioned whether she should travel alone because she “needed a male banker with her,” and she was routinely asked to handle tasks like bringing printed materials or coffee to meetings – which were never asked of her male colleagues.
“I always felt I needed to be overly prepared – and perform at a high level – just to be accepted,” she said.
One defining moment came early in her career before she joined Regions, when she led her team in production and revenue but was denied an incentive payout because male colleagues “had stay‑at‑home wives and children and needed those dollars more.” Instead of stepping back, she doubled down – setting benchmarks, pursuing stretch assignments and consistently raising her hand to demonstrate her capabilities.
“When I felt underestimated, I used it as fuel,” Raber said.
How would you describe your leadership style, and how did it evolve as you took on greater responsibility?
Raber describes her leadership style as results‑oriented, grounded in collaboration, efficiency and accountability. “I’m action‑oriented and decisive with high expectations,” she said, “but I’m also supportive, collaborative and encouraging.”
Over time, she learned to step back and trust her teams’ expertise. “Early in my career, I tended to dictate performance requirements rather than collaborate. I didn’t truly realize the power that a team – and real collaboration – could bring to achieving our goals.”
I didn’t truly realize the power that a team – and real collaboration – could bring to achieving our goals.
Martha Raber, head of Enterprise Credit Risk
Is there a decision or project in your career that you are especially proud of – one that felt defining or legacy‑shaping?
For Nolan, one moment stands out above the rest: Regions’ 2019 Investor Day in New York. She calls it a true career milestone – one that reflected months of intense preparation and precise collaboration.
The leadership team used the event to share the company’s long‑term strategic growth plan, outline financial targets and highlight the key drivers that differentiate Regions from peers.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever worked harder in my career, but it was worth it,” she said. “Regions showed well that day. Our message was strong and we saw an uptick in market performance – we received great feedback. It was a very satisfying and rewarding experience.”
You’ve been a strong champion for talent development within the company. What does mentorship mean to you personally?
Raber says that mentorship is a way to “pay it forward” and help others reach their potential. “It gives me pleasure to provide advice or open a door that can lessen someone’s missteps and support them in achieving their goals,” she said.
She credits her own success to mentors from many backgrounds, both inside and outside banking. “They’ve provided insight, a sounding board and belief in my potential,” Raber said. As her career evolved, so did the people she relied on – a group she describes as her personal “board of directors,” each offering different perspectives at different stages of her journey.
What progress have you seen for women in leadership, and what progress still needs to be made?
Raber has witnessed meaningful shifts during her nearly four decades in banking. “Over the past 39 years, I’ve seen very capable women rise through the ranks and reach positions of high leadership,” she said. “But the numbers remain limited.”
She credits improved benefits – such as paid maternity and paternity leave – and flexible work arrangements with helping women stay on a positive career track.
Nolan also feels encouraged by the pace of change. “It’s such a better world today for women entering the space – in our own organization and across the industry – and that makes me very proud,” she said.
She believes part of this positive shift reflects changes happening beyond the workplace. “I think the world is changing in a positive way for women because strong women are raising sons to be more accepting of women in leadership roles,” she said. “They’ve observed their mothers in positions of power and respect it.”
Both of you have deep commitments to community work. Why is community involvement such an important part of your identity as a leader?
Community outreach has always been very important to Nolan. Her service includes roles on the Business Advisory Council for the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business and the board of Regions Foundation. She previously served on the boards of Birmingham Education Foundation and Momentum – an organization focused on advancing women’s leadership in Alabama.
Still, she acknowledges that her engagement hasn’t always been consistent because of life’s competing priorities. “When my children were younger and I had extra demands in my life, it was difficult to be as involved as I wanted to be,” she said. “But as they got older, I had more opportunities.”
Her message to young parents: Give yourself grace. Align your time with causes that fit your strengths and passions – opportunities will evolve.
For Raber, community involvement is rooted in using her professional skillset to help her community grow and thrive. She currently serves as board chair for Vulcan Park and Museum in Birmingham. She believes strongly that corporate leaders should advocate for community engagement and encourage their teams to get involved.
“Showing pride in your community by being an ‘upstander’ and taking action, rather than a passive ‘bystander,’ will make a positive difference over time,” she said.
If you could go back and speak to yourself at the start of your career, what would you say?
Raber would encourage her younger self to stay curious, collaborative – and to enjoy the journey. “Be inquisitive and proactively learn new skills,” she said. “Collaborate and share ideas – and have fun with what you do every day. The associates and teams around you will become your second family.”
Nolan’s advice centers on embracing opportunity – even when it feels uncertain. “Take some risks,” she said. “Sometimes opportunities arise where you may not be 100 percent qualified, but it’s important to take the chance.”
She would also caution against over-fixating on long-term plans. “Be flexible on long-term goals; they can get in your way. Be open-minded and recognize that changing conditions can lead to even better opportunities along your career – it can reap dividends.”
Sometimes opportunities arise where you may not be 100 percent qualified, but it’s important to take the chance.
Dana Nolan, head of Investor Relations