Whether you march to the beat of your own drum, or march in step, everybody can appreciate the Wauna Credit Union employees who are celebrating an anniversary in March.
If you want to be one of the people celebrating next year, check out our careers page.
Waunaversary Celebrants
Norm Dufton– 9 years
What is your current position?
I am the VP of Consumer Loans. I oversee underwriting, indirect lending and administrate mortgage support. I get to assist in developing underwriters, help the branches with sales techniques and do some data reporting. I develop loan products and with ALCO on loan pricing.
I have had this position for the last 9 years, though have had some parts added and done some things to help WCU grow. At one time WCU had a dealer’s license and I oversaw the operation. At one point I did my current job and oversaw the call center. We got loans started and I handed it over.
What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
While working at WCU I have learned much about our area and our members. Being born and raised in urban environments, I have come to appreciate the small town feel here. It has been mind expanding to learn about logging and fishing and how close knit the communities are.
If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I were to choose one hobby it would be to play poker. It is a lot like underwriting and sales as you have to measure odds and sell your opponents on why to call or fold, depending on what you have or don’t have. I’ve played in a few tournaments and done well, and had a blast.
Sarah Bilyeu – 2 years
What is your current position?
I’m a Virtual Teller, working upstairs in the Astoria branch. I assist members on the ITMs, where I get to talk to people from all over our footprint, face-to-face. I also respond to member requests through online chat, email, and phones. However you want to contact us, we’re here to help.
What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Something that working here has taught me is the benefits in learning how to finally stabilize myself financially. In turn I can now happily help members with all their options they have in order to help them be financially successful.
If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
A hobby that I would love to try is scuba diving! 😊 I love the water, and being able to see what is below the surface would be so much fun.
Nik Nurkowski – 2 years
What is your current position?
My current position is a Virtual Consultant within the Virtual Branch of Wauna Credit Union. My cohorts and I are charged with service our membership though the various technical services Wauna provides. This is important as we provide customer support with questions and complications that can arise while they peruse our online services, conduct transactions with BillPay or POPMoney, and utilize our fabulous new ITM’s. Our job requires the use of well over a dozen different programs that allow us to access the multi-faceted array of services we offer to our members and assist with their myriad needs 
with precision and care.
What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Wauna has taught me much about finance and credit, important aspects of modern life in this world. However, I never expected it to teach me so much about interpersonal relationships. The shear variety of people I’ve worked with has forced me to learn very quick how to find common ground and blend with folks of radically different backgrounds and beliefs. I used to be a very socially awkward, introverted person, this was quelled for my last job, but my employment here (particularly my training with TMA) has taught me how to better interface with my fellow man. Especially when I share differing beliefs or opinions then the people in question, which was something I had lacking experience with remarkably enough.
If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
It’s not a new hobby, but if I had endless time and finances available; I would pursue hiking/exploring in more extreme or esoteric locales. I enjoy my local woodlands immensely, but a chance to explore the deep, truly arcane, forests of Washington and Oregon would be amazing. To take that exploration to similar places across the world would be even better.
Michael Swanson – 1 year
What is your current position?
I am a Lending Support Specialist. My main role in the lending department is to process and fund auto loans and HELOCs. I really enjoy working in this team because I am able to advocate for our membership and make improvements to our lending processes to make the borrowing experience easier for everyone!
What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
In my first year with Wauna, I have learned so much about how car dealerships and auto financing work. This knowledge definitely makes the car buying process less intimidating!
If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
My favorite hobby is playing electronic music. If time and money were not an issue, I’d buy a lot more synthesizers and play a lot more shows.
Kirsten Thompson – 1 year
What is your current position?
I am a Member Consultant in the Warrenton branch. Many people don’t know that we are so much more than tellers. We do credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, we help people understand credit and how important it is to establish.
What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me how to build and work on my own credit. When I first started here, I knew my credit wasn’t the best but I didn’t know the core factors on how to “fix” or build it. I have learned so much in this short period of time with Wauna and have since then been able to really understand what builds your score and what hurts it.
If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I had more time on my hands, I would definitely pick up traveling as a hobby. I love seeing new places but have never been out of the country, I mean hey even traveling around the states, or even more places in Oregon would be good with me. I definitely haven’t explored my home state enough!
Others
- David Merrell
- Janice Hanes
- Nichole Klopp
- Amanda Wehrley-Hazen
- Christina Eaton
- Darla Wickre