May Anniversaries

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). May I introduce you to the employees who celebrated anniversaries in May?

Debi Smiley – 31 years
As Chief Marketing Officer, I oversee and direct the marketing efforts and facility design of WCU. My responsibilities include planning, developing, implementing and monitoring the overall business marketing strategy. Some of the duties include market research, pricing, product marketing, marketing communications, advertising and public relations. I also participate as a member of the Leadership Team.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
I have enjoyed the opportunity to innovate and provide services and products to the members of the communities we serve and be the financial partner choice that can help them achieve their dreams. The lesson that I take away from my 31 years of service is that making a difference in people lives is very important toDebi on ATV me. WCU has provided me with the channel to help people and make a positive difference. This has come in many forms such as counseling, volunteerism, providing tools to friends and co-employees that helps them achieve their goals. All of these are so rewarding and fulfilling.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
My new hobby would be sports related in some fashion. One thought would to be to coach a team or lead an exercise class. It would involve fun, motivation, physical challenge and lead to improved health.

Laura Wells – 7 years
My position is Accountant. A lot of what I do is make sure yesterday’s activity from our members and employees balances and makes sense today. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make sure the credit union is financially sound, and all the transactions happened as they should. I balance our ATMs and ITMs, debit and credit card activity, as well as all of the checks that get deposited in the branches. Our members may not really think about us in Accounting-land, but I love being able to help them behind the scenes.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me about teamwork and communication. We all have a common goal and everybody is important to successfully keeping the credit union running and our members happy, but we have to work together to achieve those goals! Laura in front of waterfallIf you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I think it would be fun to pick up travel writing. If I had all the time and money in the world, my new hobby would be to just travel around the world meeting people, eating food, and writing about my experiences. I’m headed to London in June, which will be country #23 for me.

Jennifer Clark – 3 years
What is your current position?
I’m a real estate loan officer based out of the St. Helens branch. My job is to assist members with financing their “forever home” or tapping into the equity in their current home to meet their financial goals.Jen at her desk

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
That taking initiative is essential. There is always room for improvement; work that could be completed more efficiently.  I look at the processes that I use throughout my day and enjoy coming up with ways to improve them. The fact that my Wauna family has given me great support, well, it’s meant a lot.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I had to choose just one new hobby it would have to be geocaching. It’s a grown-up scavenger hunt!

Devyn Osborne – 2 years
I started as an MC in our Astoria branch. I really enjoyed all of the knowledge I obtained. It was great to get experience all the way from handling large amounts of cash to processing loans and more. I also had the opportunity to work in the Safeway Branch as well as the Warrenton Branch a handful of times, which was great training for my current role as a Virtual Consultant. I have always really enjoyed working with members and it’s a great feeling that I can be the smile on the other side of the phone. It was definitely a process learning how to give the members the same experience without being directly in front of them.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
I have obviously learned a lot about finances and lending as well as how the Devyninternal side of Wauna works. Since I’ve been at the Virtual Branch, I’ve learned a lot more about what happens behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. I have also had much more opportunity to help our members get loans, for cars, recreation vehicles, or even to help go on the trip they’ve always dreamed. The other thing working at the credit union has taught me is to never let one person’s bad day cause you to have a bad day. Sometimes I can cheer somebody up by keeping a positive attitude, but even if I can’t, I want to be sure that the next person I talk to is getting me at my absolute best.

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

  • Loren Ames – 10 Years