Born in 1956, Cox’s roots in the community run deep. He graduated from Nelsonville York High School in 1974 and completed his education at Hocking College in 1976, where he first found his love for finance. “I went to school at Hocking after high school, not really knowing what I wanted to do,” Cox recalls. Encouraged by his father’s friendship with a local bank president, he started a summer position at First National Bank on the square. That opportunity led to a 36-year career at First National, before he transitioned to Nelsonville Home & Savings Bank in 2010.
Throughout his career, Cox has valued the deep connections he’s fostered with his neighbors and friends. “It’s a real blessing to know almost every customer who comes through the door. They’re people I’ve grown up with,” he says. As he shifts to a more relaxed role, Cox remains committed to the bank, continuing to attend board meetings and support the community he cherishes.
The Nelsonville Banking Center, originally founded in 1888, has always played a unique role in helping the community’s lower-income residents achieve homeownership. Steve likened to a “It’s A Wonderful Life” type place where locals could find a helping hand and a fair deal. Even after merging with Farmers Bank, the institution retains its community focus, a priority for Cox and his colleagues.
Cox has seen his community through numerous changes, from celebrating local high school championships on the square to managing banking operations as technology transformed the industry. “When I started, we were using hand-posted ledgers,” he recalls. Over the decades, he embraced advancements, from early Radio Shack computers to today’s internet-driven banking landscape, continually adapting to meet the needs of his customers.
In addition to his work, Cox has dedicated his time to several local initiatives. He is a trustee of the Baird Brothers Foundation, which supports Nelsonville’s nonprofits, and he remains closely involved with Nelsonville-York High School, where he’s served as a coach, referee and announcer. “The people here are the best on earth, in my opinion,” he says, reflecting on his commitment to the town he loves.
Looking ahead, Cox sees growth opportunities for Nelsonville in tourism and hopes to see more affordable housing options developed. For anyone looking to get involved in the community, his advice is simple: “Stick your nose in the door, tell people you want to help, and before you know it, you’ll be in charge of something.”
As Cox steps back from daily responsibilities, he feels grateful for his lifelong connection to Nelsonville and the people who make it home. “I don’t know any place else,” he says. “It’s the people that make this place special, and I’ll always be here to support them.”