Wauna Credit Union has been serving members of the towns and cities surrounding the Columbia River for 52 years. We’re continuing to grow (if you want to join us check out our careers page). July is usually the hottest month of the year, and those celebrating anniversaries in July definitely bring the heat.
John Moore – 9 years
What is your current position?
I am the Chief Experience Officer and part of WCU’s leadership team. My job is to work with all member facing employees from our MCs in the branches to our different lending departments. My focus is making sure our members feel valued and appreciated for choosing to do their banking with us. I also get to work with our Virtual Branch and how we utilize technology to deliver service to our members who need help or services and can’t make it into a traditional branch.
What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working here at WCU and how our values and mission statement all revolve around people helping people has really taught me the value of the relationships we build with our members. It is so exciting to be with them when they purchase a house, have a baby, or buy their first car. It is also so very rewarding to be there for our members through life’s challenges and to support and council them in a time of need. I love working with our employees and helping them in their careers and seeing the pride they take in their job helping our members throughout our footprint.
If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I would love to have the time and resources to build custom furniture. I enjoy working with my hands and building things. I have so many smaller projects like making duck calls, fishing poles, and carvings but would love to have the equipment and time to build custom pieces for people.
Carli Lyon – 14 years
What is your current position?
I am AVP of Virtual Services. I oversee the Virtual Branch which assists members financial needs virtually, whether it is over the phone, online, chat, email, or our virtual teller machines. The Virtual Branch is crucial if members chooses to do their financial business in nontraditional ways such as going into a branch. With the assistance of online services such as U Banking, the Virtual Branch offer members the ability to get assistance with their financial with ease and convenience without having to step foot into a branch. We are the voice you hear when you call Wauna Credit Union. We are the faces you see when you use our drive through ITM machines. We are those on the other side of the chat or email window. Apply for a loan online, that is us too! And, we are always looking to expand our services and make it even easier. Be on the lookout for the possibilities we have coming to you such as ability to open new accounts online, Video Chat, and more!
What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Wauna Credit Union has taught me that hard work, dedication, and loyalty contributes to your success. I started when I was just 20 years old as an Part-time MSR. At that age, I was just starting out on my own and wasn’t sure where my future would lead but I was set out to be successful in whatever it was I choose to do even if I didn’t hold a college degree. That is exactly what I did and continue to do. Hard work, dedication, strong work ethic, loyalty, motivation, and initiative has made my career here possible.
If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I could choose one new hobby to start and money was not an issue, I would start a Pitbull Rescue Center. Not only do I have a passion for helping people, I have a desire to assist animals that are in need!
Heidi White – 7 years
What is your current position?
I’m a Member Consultant in the Clatskanie branch. One of the most important things about my job is member relationships, whether it’s establishing a rapport with a new member, or continuing to build upon a well-established relationship with somebody I’ve known for a long time. My job is constantly evolving to fit the needs of our members. I started out doing basic transactions and now I do everything from running coin to coaching a member on how to best improve their credit score so they can buy a home.
What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at WCU has taught me to always take the initiative to learn new things. Earlier in the year I noticed that the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) offered a program to teach frontline staff how to best serve our members. I took the training, passed my tests, and became the first CUNA recognized Member Services Level II employee at the credit union.
If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I could choose a new hobby, I would choose to travel all over the world. I just got back from Hawaii with my family and had such a fun time. Who knows, I might even become a travel writer and get paid for it.
Kristen DeForrest – 3 years
What is your current position?
I recently transferred to the Clatskanie Branch to work as our Compliance Specialist. I am currently learning as much as I can about my position! I spend my time filing daily reports, monitoring dormant accounts and assist in making sure we follow up to date policies and procedures.
What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Moving to a new branch has challenged me to build new relationships and proven that Wauna is one big family. Our core value of Team and Family spirit is alive all across our footprint.
If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I love my little family and the outdoors so I would absolutely love to travel more. I want to experience the world with my family.
Others
- Jan Durie – 6 Years
- Amber Alexander – 4 Years
- McKenzie Lewis – 2 Years
- John Kurns – 2 Years
- Lisa Frances – 1 Year
- Pie Espinoza – 1 Year
- Joe Talamantez – 1 Year
- Katrina Pixley – 1 Year