employee anniversary – The Wonderful World Of Wauna

December Anniversaries

Our halls are decked, our tinsel is strung and everybody’s ready for the holidays. There’s one thing we have to do before that, celebrate our December anniversary participants.

If you want to be one of the people celebrating anniversaries next year, check out our careers page.

Waunaversary Celebrants

Amy Grub – 6 years

What is your current position?
I am the MSM at the Scappoose Branch. My goal is to make sure our members are getting all their financial needs met in a timely and friendly manner. I love getting to know my members and learn about their goals and dreams and celebrating with them when they reach their goals!

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me what true teamwork looks like. I have never seen a group of people come together to support and encourage each other like the people at Wauna do. The leadership truly cares about the well being of their employees.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I could choose one hobby it would be traveling! My goal is to take my son to all 50 states by the time he graduates high school! I love exploring and seeing new places!

Amy and son — Amy only has a picture of herself if somebody else is in it. Her favorite partner is her son

Ashley Erickson – 3 years

What is your current position?
I am an Accountant for Wauna CU. I make sure all of the bills are paid, help with monthly financial statements, and balance member’s financial transactions daily. I’m behind the scenes making sure everything is running smoothly and in balance.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me to believe in yourself and go after your dreams! We work for a wonderful organization that is constantly growing and educating their employees. If you want to work towards something new, they are going to support you and help you achieve that goal. Completing our career development program (CADET) this year has helped me grow and achieve some big aspirations.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I would love to own a vineyard and start making wine!

Ashley Hawaii — Ashley recently took some much deserved PTO to visit Hawaii with her boyfriend David

Rachael Eaton – 2 years

What is your current position?
I am an MC I in the Warrenton Branch. My job is to help my members with their financial well-being. Either through everyday transactions, answering questions, doing account research or loans to help them get what they need. This is important because I am one of the many faces that represent Wauna. My members trust and depend on me to help and guide them, because they know I’ve been listening to what they want to accomplish.

Rachael at the coast — Rachael is Oregon Coast through and though

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
What have I been taught? Multi-tasking struggle is real! I have to make lists ALL the time so I don’t miss anything. Most importantly I don’t want to miss reaching out to a member with follow up info as soon as I can.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I would love to snorkel! I love the water, and if I could id spend all my free time in it. My spirit animal is a shark.

Josh Rein– 2 years

What is your current position?
I’m the Digital Media Specialist at the credit union. If you’re looking at something on a screen either in the branch or on your computer or mobile device, there’s a good chance I had something to do with it.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at the credit union has taught me to jump in full bore. I have to do a lot of back-end coding as part of my job here, which is something I only had limited experience with before. It’s been fun to learn.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I’d like to take up photography. I take pictures sometime as part of my job, and would love to explore more, especially where nature and development intersect.

Leslie Ramey– 1 year

What is your current position?
I’m a Member Consultant in our Clatskanie branch. I’m the person our members deal with the most, and I help with all sorts of things, including loans, giving them information about the different ways we have to save money, and staying on top of their finances and cred.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Being at Wauna Credit Union has showed me how financial institutions should guide their members and teach them about finances. I can see the difference between banks and credit unions and I feel Wauna stands out in our mission. It’s not just a statement, I feel we implement it on a daily basis.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
It would be rock climbing!!! Like legit rock climbing where I’m hundreds of feet in the air. I have a bit of a wild streak.

September Anniversaries

Wauna Credit Union has been serving members of the towns and cities surrounding the Columbia River for 51 years. We’re continuing to grow (if you want to join us check out our careers page). Employees celebrating September Anniversaries school us on what it means to serve members and practice TMA.

Sadly, instead of wishing Rich Parker a happy 10-year Waunaversary, we’re saying goodbye. Hear Richard’s retirement announcement, and his thanks to all his clients, here.

Danea Passmore – 13 years
What is your current position?
My current position is Chief Operations Officer. That means I head WCU’s IT, Operations, Strategic Implementations and Card Services teams. Fortunately, I am blessed to have my office in Clatskanie, where I grew up and see my family often. My main focus is to coach and develop teams that embrace the Wauna Way – Integrity Coaching, TMA, LSCI, Core Values, Mission, Vision, and people helping people. I used to be in the Training Department, so you know that’s something I love doing. I also love to collaborate with all departments in the organization to implement products and services to exceed our members expectations. Wauna is my family.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
I have learned a great deal at Wauna, but the most important thing I have learned is to be more financially fit. Prior to working at Wauna, I was one of those people who sometimes experienced when bad things happen to good people. Our daughter was pushed into a swimming pool, spiral fractured her neck, and drowned. They were able to resuscitate her; however, my world for a over a year was revolved around hospitals, doctors, and taking care of her. My finances were a wreck, my payments were late, and frankly, I didn’t care at the time because I knew I had to do something else.

I am blessed that Wauna hired me even though my credit was an “E”. That stands for eeeek to some; but to Wauna, I was more than a number. Yep, went from A to “E”eeek. I learned how to get back on track, clean up my credit, and come back to the top. I use that each day when I talk with members or employees, and want them to know that bad things happen to good people so get the story before you judge. Thankfully too, Wauna asks the story and takes great care of its members. I will forever be grateful to Wauna.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I love this question! If I could choose a brand new hobby, I would love to become a pilot and fly. But since I should probably be more realistic, I would love to be hiking. The outdoors is so energizing, fun, freeing, and a good brisk walk is exhilarating. I recently watched a show where there is a large hike from the North Kaibab Trail on the North Rim to Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim. It is a hike of over 23 miles and just sounds incredible, especially in a majestic place like the Grand Canyon. Actually, forget that. I always shoot for the stars, so pilot it is, or maybe even astronaut.

Audrey McTague – 5 years
What is your current position?
My current position is Training Specialist and I train Member Consultants in consumer loans. I lead training classes at the Erlene Darby Learning Center in Westport, as well as go to the branches for one-on-one training. My main goal is to make sure everyone understands our lending philosophy using LSI principles as well as training them how to process loans from start to finish. Training has always been one of my passions.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Wauna has taught me The Member Advantage, which emphasizes listening to people to find out what they need, or are looking to accomplish. TMA is something I can use inside and outside of work in my everyday life

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
My hobby this summer was making my own spices by dehydrating them, grinding them and bottling them up. I did garlic and onions. I also made tomato powder which I can make tomato paste or sauce with. Next year, I plan on doing jalapenos, thyme, rosemary and chives.

Laura Lovegren – 3 years
What is your current position?
I am the Financial Center Manager in the Clatskanie Branch. My job is to work with our Members and my team to create relationships to grow with our members throughout their lives.

This role is new to me in the last year and I have been enjoying building our community relationships and working to educate our youth.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at WCU has taught me that my limits are self-created. I have been encouraged to grow and dream during my career here. I have worked in the Branch and in the Back office operations department as well. My goal is to learn more everyday and am grateful that I have the opportunity to learn many different aspects and to work with so many driven and wonderful people. It has not only grown my career but who I am as a Human being.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
It would most likely be to travel more. I recently traveled to Croatia, and there is much of Europe waiting for me to visit.

Hannah Coffey – 2 years
What is your current position?
I’m a Member Consultant at the Astoria Branch. Member Consultants deal with the community face-to-face, and assist them with their daily financial needs, as well as provide part-time counseling (ha-ha). Being the face of Wauna is a great opportunity to connect with members and build lasting relationships between them and Wauna.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me a lot about patience. It’s easy to go day-to-day thinking you know how everything in the financial industry works and rush through it all, but it’s very humbling to help people who maybe aren’t so familiar with finances, as well as other things that may seem simple to us that work here such as online banking; especially since we just launched our new U-Banking platform back in May!

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I had to choose a new hobby, I would choose something musical. I played piano when I was little, but it never really stuck. It’s something that I would enjoy picking back up.

Michael Murdoch – 1 year
What is your current position?
I’m the Communications Specialist. My office is in Clatskanie, but my job is to go all over our footprint to talk to members and our staff. I spend most of my time communicating to Wauna staff how-to communicate while communicating communications to members and our communities. It’s a communications thing.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Wauna Credit Union has taught me to take greater ownership with my mistakes, but more importantly, with my accomplishments. As a communications person, I’m often more comfortable in the background, but rewarding good work is a big part of the culture here.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I’ve always wanted to take up sailing. But, I’d need a sail and a boat. And common sense.

Michael Murdoch — Michael hangs out with colleagues, and a duck that supports CUs

Others

Ian Wiggins
Brittany Warren
Lidia Sanchez
Ericka Barnett

Not the Chief of Kisses and Hugs: CXO, John Moore celebrates 5 years at Wauna Credit Union

Some leaders just have it…

…that spark you can’t help but feel drawn to…their charisma, challenging nature, or their ease in guiding the ship. This Wauna Credit Union leader comes from what us Credit Union-ers call the “Dark Side”, having spent the bulk of his early career in big banks. But it’s hard to shun such a past when with it comes a myriad of great ideas, experiences, and what-not-to-dos that have not only embraced our Wauna culture, but have inspired many to be greater.

And so today we celebrate our CXO, John Moore, because today marks fives years he has spent with us here at Wauna Credit Union. And to give you a better idea of who the man is behind the title, we posed a few queries to Mr. Moore to learn just a little bit more about who he is and what makes him tick.

What is your current position?

John hoisting up a Branch Achievement Eagle Trophy

CXO, which stands for “Chief Experience Officer” and not the Chief of Kisses and Hugs — although I do value all of our members and want them all to know how we are appreciative and honored to be entrusted as their consultants. More specifically, I Provide help and support to training, lending, and all WCU branches. This ensures our focus is on creating life experiences for our members with every interaction we have.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?

Coming from a 20+ year career in banking, I thought that credit unions did the little loans and small savings accounts. Also, I had no idea that WCU is a full-service financial provider. I am glad I didn’t know what I didn’t know prior to coming here or I would have felt intimidated competing against WCU. This credit union has the best Residential, Commercial, and Consumer loan products on the market. A bank cannot come close to delivering a service promise like we do. We tailor our lending and deposit products to meet what our membership asks for. Also, we survey our membership and always put their needs first…that is why we are here. I now truly understand what being “member-owned” means.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?

I would love to write a book. Something in the horror genre, but nothing involving clowns as I don’t want to be afraid of my own work.

John and his daughter, Emma, giving the “Wauna Strong” post in front of his new rig

We hear you’re quite a fan of Star Wars. See if you can answer some trivia: In real life, this material made up of made of nitrobenzene, saltpeter, sulfur, and diatomaceous earth would have caused Bespin to explode. What do you call this substance?

Actually, it’s part of my New Employee Orientation presentation. I tell new employees that I will never leave or retire from WCU but will actually be encased in a block of Carbonite. Oh, and Han not only shot first, but was the only one to fire his weapon.

Is it better to be extraordinary and always late, or just OK and always on time?

Well, as the CXO, I would like to say be on time and be extraordinary. But if these are my choices then definitely get more beauty rest to be that much more extraordinary.

There you have it.

He loves Star Wars, is a member-oriented leader, and cares about his staff and the credit union movement. Thank you for a “Waunderful” 5 years, John! We are glad you came over to Wauna Credit Union from the Dark Side! We also look forward to freezing you in Carbonite and placing you in our headquarters’ lobby.

April Anniversaries

Wauna Credit Union has been serving members of the towns and cities surrounding the Columbia River for 51 years. We’re continuing to grow (if you want to join us check out our careers page). No foolin, today we highlight employees who celebrated anniversaries in April.

Heather Dixson – 5 years
What is your current position?
I just started as a Real Estate Loan Processor. I work with our RELOs (Real Estate Loan Officers) to gather all the information we need to get our members their mortgages, and get the loans Good to Go! – assist the Real Estate Loan Officers with processing mortgage loans.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working here taught me to under promise and over deliver. Not only is this something I do during the day at the credit union, but something I’ve implemented into my daily life.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?

Heather as Darth Vadar — Heather always brings fun to work

I’d love to start making stained glass. I like creating things, I think it would be cool to have the resources to add a unique characteristic to a home or building.

What brought you to WCU?
I was new to the area from Alaska, and was looking for an experience that would help me build a career. I found Wauna Credit Union, and I couldn’t be more happy.

What is your favorite thing about working here?
My favorite thing about the credit union is my Wauna family! I’ve met so many amazing people in my five years here, and I know I’m going to meet so many more over the next 5 years.

Christmas Card — Heather has made life-long friends at WCU

Have you ever done anything embarrassing at work?
When saying goodbye to a member I told him that I loved him. Since then, every time he comes into the branch he greets me with “hi honey!”

Ashleigh Sibley – 2 years
What is your current position?
My current title is Communication Center Member Consultant II. My role has changed recently as I have jumped into the world of loans. If a member calls, chats, or emails in about anything I will be one of the lucky ones to assist them.

Ashleigh and her family — Family Comes First for Ashleigh

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Wauna has taught me to venture out of my comfort zone. I have learned to dig deeper and uncover needs that may not have been vocalized. Wauna has allowed me to embrace the true meaning of people helping people and offer intuitive service to our fabulous members.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I could choose a new hobby it would definitely be travel. I moved from the East Coast to the West Coast but there is still so much I have yet to see!

Others

Jeff Parker – 12 Years
Marci Szlavich – 2 Years
Charles Dennis – 1 Year

March Anniversaries

Wauna Credit Union is kicking off our 51st year of serving members of the towns and cities surrounding the Columbia River. We’re continuing to grow (if you want to join us check out our careers page). Today we highlight the March anniversary employees, who always put a spring in our step.

If you missed it, earlier this month we celebrated the 10-year anniversary of our CFO David Merrell. Read more about David here.

Norm Dufton – 8 years
What is your current position?
My position is VP of Consumer Lending. I supervise the administration of car loans, credit cards, lines of credit, underwriting, and all administrative tasks. I work with dealers, underwriters, and the Leadership Team to get our direction and make it happen! One of the great things about Wauna Credit Union is we look for ways to make loans happen, instead of trying to find reasons to not fund people. Most recently I have been working with a lot of our front line staff to help them learn about lending and sales. Really many of the things I am teaching are for personal as well as professional development.

Norm chess. Not a link — Norm playing chess in Times Square against a hustler. He won.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?

Norm with Bigfoot not a link — Norm sizing up the competition

Prior to moving to the coast to work, I lived in urban areas all of my life. Living and playing in a rural area has taught me a lot about diversity. When I work with people that own farms, or earn extra money by fishing or are married to a logger I get a better feel for how many people live. My mind expands.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?

I would like to fish in Alaska. I have learned since I moved here how untouched many of the areas are in relation to where we live today.

Amanda Wehrley-Hazen – 1 year

What is your current position?
I started out as an Ops Support Clerk and transferred to EFT Clerk when the position became available. As the EFT Clerk, I process all of our ACH (Automatic Clearing House) files, Share Draft Files, Mobile Deposits, Returned Check Processing, Domestic Wire Set Up and International Wire review and approval, as well as ACH Form set up. I am also one of the responders to the Ops Support hotline.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Being a member of the Wauna team has taught me a truer meaning of teamwork. As a natural Supporter personality type I really enjoy being involved in a working team atmosphere. I feel like I have learned so much about myself over the last year in regards to our TMA training and communicating and responding to not only internal and external members, but to my daughter and son. (I even recognize that my dogs have different personality types and try to communicate with them accordingly).

Street scene, not a link — Amanda loves to spend time behind the camera

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I don’t think I would choose a new hobby. Instead, I would focus on photography. I used to take pictures daily in my other work, but I have never had the spare time to actually study photography and take the time to learn all about every aspect of what, for instance, all the settings on a camera can do for the artistic presence of a portrait. So I would take a class, actually read my instruction book for my camera, and spend my weekends travelling to take nature photos.

Nichole Klopp – 1 year

What is your current position?
I am a Communication Center Member Consultant in the WCU Virtual Branch in Astoria. My primary role is to assist members over the phone and create ‘WOW’ moments. Daily I use Wauna’s core values along with TMA, a program we all use to make sure we are always assisting our members.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna Credit Union, I have been given access to this amazing program called TMA (The Member Advantage). TMA has helped me develop not only at Wauna or my second job at the theatre (free movies are an amazing bonus), but also with my personal life. We all have different ways we like to communicate, and TMA teaches you how to identify and effectively communicate with different behavior styles.

Nichole taking a selfie. Not a link — Nichole never forgets to take the time to enjoy our region

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
A hobby I will hopefully take on will be to rebuild a gas motor. I would love to finally get my 98 Civic running again.

Nik Nurkowski – 1 year

What is your current position?
I’m a Virtual Teller operating our Interactive Teller Machines (ITM). The ITMs are a pioneering technological venue for Wauna. I offer the same services as a teller, although we call them Member Consultants, but through a video screen at a drive-up or kiosk machine that looks identical to an ATM. In fact, they work as ATMs as well. It’s quite a delight and very exciting to be operating on the cutting edge of our modernization as a credit union, and it’s truly wondrous to see young and not-as-young experience the future.

Picture of Nik. Not a link. — Nik partaking in an adventure on the beach

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working here I’ve learned a tremendous amount about credit and financial systems as a whole. Which has been quite a boon to me as I was always raised with a fear of credit cards and debt. At WCU, I’ve learned that too much debt is certainly important to avoid; but building ones credit worthiness through sound financial practices isn’t as daunting. This understanding is now providing me the blueprint to better my family’s financial security and achieve goals we previously thought unattainable.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
Would that I had no other responsibilities, I’d launch myself into a trade very near and dear to my heart; I’d build a smithy. I’ve loved blacksmithing and metalworking all my life, and was allowed to practice the craft through some of my high school years. I’d delight in being able to pick up the hammer once more and forge steel in earnest.

Sarah Bilyeu – 1 year

What is your current position?
I work at the Communications Center as a virtual teller on our new Interactive Teller Machine s (ITMs). I do transactions for our lovely members when they drive up in Clatskanie and Long Beach, and soon other branches as well. Now that people are getting used to us it is a delight to have the opportunity to build rapport and see their happy faces daily. I am also trained to be in our call center and assist members over the phones as well.

Sarah and her kids not a link — Sarah loves spending time with her family

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
I’ve learned a lot so far here at WFCU but something that I’m very happy to have learned so much about is loans, how credit works, and how all of that plays a part in building a person’s thriving financial well-being. Its helped me become a lot less fearful of my own personal credit choices and opportunities and also gave me confidence in helping members out with their best options here.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I could choose any hobby at all with money not being a factor I would love to just travel all over the world and discover beautiful places with my family and learn all about different cultures.

Others

Janice Hanes – 13 Years

Celebrating a Decade of Excellence – CFO David Merrell Anniversary

Today marks the 10-year anniversary of Wauna Credit Union’s CFO David Merrell. David is part of our leadership quintet, and is a key driver of all our success. While the work of the CFO mostly happens behind the scenes, we couldn’t do what we do without him. It’s David that really figures out how we can best manage our money and products to offer our members the absolute best solutions for their finances.

Our CEO Robert Blumberg said it best:
“David’s knowledge in economics and strategic initiatives is top-notch. He is committed to the financial well-being of Wauna Credit Union and we would not be as financially sound without him as a part of the management team.”

David grew up in a rural community (Moses Lake, WA) on 160 acres, which helps him understand our members wants and needs. While he originally started out with a huge corporation (Shell Oil) before moving on to a big bank, the idea of serving members, instead of shareholders, brought him to WCU.

There are a lot of ways to honor David, but we thought the best way was to re-post a speech he gave to our scholarship recipients last year. David has always valued education. He made sure his own children completed their studies, and always takes an interest in all of WCU’s education-focused activities.

When you look at who you are and what you do and what you’re intending to do is that you’re in position to contribute more. Not just that you hopefully make more money and do it that way, but you should be, you can be leaders. Leaders in just influencing people if that’s all it is.

We spend a lot of time trying to learn how to do well in our organization, how to create better organizations. Now you of course are geared towards that. You have a better ability to learn and you can contribute. I think that one of the best talks I’ve heard, some at the beginning of the school year addressing the student body, was will you lead. And that is so important today in society. Will you lead? Will you lead in the good? And we’re not just talking about in your environment. Will you lead in helping others to be better people and have the opportunity? And that’s one of the things that you get, a better opportunity as you go through and get better educated, a continuing education.

As we talk about ways to be better leaders now, I was listening to those talks on that as we go back and hear it again and they’re referencing books I read in high school. They had an impact. They’ve always impacted me. We’ve got engineering. We’ve got biology, science, kinesiology. Those are all good. The biggest impact in going to college is broadening of your knowledge.

-David Merrell Wauna Credit Union CFO June 14, 2017 to Wauna Credit Union scholarship recipients

Thanks for the 10 great years Mr. Merrell. Here’s to 10 more.

February Anniversaries

Wauna Credit Union is kicking off our 51st year of serving members of the towns and cities surrounding the Columbia River. We’re continuing to grow (if you want to join us check out our careers page). Today we show the love to our February anniversary celebrants.

Paige hiking — Paige and JJ enjoy getting out and about

Paige Tischer – 6 years
What is your current position?
I’m a Real Estate Loan Officer out of the Astoria branch. Home buying is a big step for our members. I really take pride in helping our community and finding ways to get our members the financing they need to get their new home.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Wauna has taught me so many lessons. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that the harder you work, the more you will be able to do, and the better you’ll be able to do your job. I started off working as a teller and as I’ve increased my knowledge about our products, I’ve been able to increase my responsibilities.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I could choose any hobby it would be to learn how to fly a plane, hands down. I’d travel to new places I haven’t been and eat food I haven’t tried.

Amber Seely – 3 years

What is your current position?
I am an MC at the St. Helens branch. I get to assist our members with all their daily transactions, and help them find ways to make their financial situation easier and ultimately better, whether that’s through one of our great products, or simply by working with them to help.

Amber celebrates after completing the Superhero Half Marathon

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working here has taught me how to manage my own money better. I’ve learned how to build credit in a way that that makes my budget easier to manage. One of the things that separates us from a bank is our commitment to helping our members with their finances. I always recommend our great financial education tools to our members because I know how much they helped me.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I would love to travel more! I recently went to Disneyland with my daughter and husband. Seeing her eyes light up at all the new things she was seeing, made me remember how much I like seeing new things too!

Others

Mike McTague – 4 Years
Karissa Temple – 4 Years
Christina Sickler – 2 Years
Kira Zavortink – 2 Years

November Anniversaries

Wauna Credit Union is growing fast (if you want to join us check out our careers page). The main reason for that is the great service our amazing employees provide our members. Employees celebrating anniversaries this month like to get out and about, and explore their world.

Brianna Malcolm – 11 years
What is your current position?
I am a Communication Center Representative III in the WCU Communication Center. The Communication Center serves as a virtual branch. We answer all of the phone calls for seven branches and help our members who call with any of their financial needs. Even though we don’t see the people we help, we have our regular members who we recognize by voice. It’s great to help members from all over.

What is your favorite WCU memory?
That happens every year. It’s being able to get together with everyone from all of our branches. Since we only talk to everyone on the phone I love getting together with everyone for training, Christmas parties or anything else we get together for. We are at work more than we are at home so everyone is considered our Wauna Work Family.

Picture of Brianna playing cornhole — Brianna is cornhole champion. Read the story at http://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/index.ssf/2014/06/brianna_malcolm_crowned_winner.html

What is something you like to do when you’re not at work?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is spend time with my family. We have a four-year-old daughter who is absolutely amazing and I love watching her grow and learn! We love to go camping and spending time outdoors.

Michael Woods – 6 Years
What is your current position?
I am a mortgage member consultant. I usually work out of our Mortgage Origination Office in Long Beach, but I am currently filling in working with our Warrenton members.

Michael in a helicopter — Michael gets ready to see Las Vegas from the air

What is your favorite WCU memory?
One of my favorite memories was when I was a member of the Lending Admin team. I helped a member get a loan. I was just doing what I felt was right, but he was so appreciative, and to this day he always thanks me, and shakes my hand, no matter where we are, or who we are with. It’s actually what inspired me to join the Mortgage Team. Just to think I could impact somebody’s life so much really gives my work purpose. You’re forever linked to your members, because you helped them get their home. It’s a great feeling, and one that I get to experience over and over.

What is something you like to do when you’re not at work?
When I am not at work, I like to spend time with my almost three-year-old daughter. It’s amazing to watch her grow up. I also enjoy playing cards, and watching sports. I am a die-hard New York Yankee and Dallas Cowboys fan. (Editor’s note, the views of our employees on the November Anniversary Post do not represent the views of the credit union. We cannot condone rooting for these two teams.)

Alex Peck– 4 Years
What is your current position?
I am an MC in the St. Helens branch. I really enjoy my job. I have grown fond of the relationships that I’ve formed with my members. It is great to see a member you’ve developed a friendship with over the years walk in the door.

Alex in a cable car — Alex loves to travel all over the west coast

What is your favorite WCU memory?
I loved the opportunity to volunteer a couple of years ago for the Columbia Humane Society Denim and Diamonds fundraiser. Wauna was sponsoring the Humane Society that year. The team I was on got to stage the event in the pavilion at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

What is something you like to do when you’re not at work?
I love to travel and explore the Pacific Northwest. Whether it be a quick trip out to the coast or a road trip up to Seattle or head south to Northern California.

Mark Crandall – 2 Years
What is your current position?
I’m a mortgage loan specialist. My job is to assist members with all of their home mortgage needs. It can be anything to helping a member purchase their first home, borrowing equity to do home improvements or lowering their payments to improve their cash flow.

Mark standing next to a tree he hit is golf ball into — We’ll call this a trick shot

What is your favorite WCU memory?
My favorite memory is helping a couple purchase their dream home on the Columbia River. They had a challenge with another lender before they came to us for help. We were able to work together and come up with a solution to get them qualified and make their dream a reality.

What is something you like to do when you’re not at work?
If I am not at work, I am with my wife. We enjoy spending time with our family, horseback riding and landscaping.

Jeremy Grover – 2 Years
What is your current position?
I currently am a Training Specialist II at our wonderful Learning Center in Westport. I assist new hires to learn our mission and vision statements and explain how they impact everything we do. I also help current internal members learn our lending philosophies that help all to build their financial well-being. Continued training helps make our credit union the finest to not only work at, but to do business with.

What is your favorite WCU memory?
My favorite memory doesn’t come from being an employee, but from being a member. I grew up in Clatskanie and my parents had been members for as long as I can remember. When I turned 18, I had big plans to purchase my dream car from my parents (1969 Dodge Charger R/T). To my surprise, I wasn’t laughed at or criticized for my non practical choice in a first car,

Jeremy's Car — The car that started it all

but shown respect and dignity and soon after I was cruising Clatskanie with the car of my dreams! That experience has stuck with me and has shown me the importance of treating people with respect and never judge a book by its cover and has lead me down a long history of lending with Wauna and encouraged me to apply so I could have that same impact on other members that may be starting out like I did so many years ago. Two Goals met, I have a great career with Wauna and I still have my dream car.

What is something you like to do when you’re not at work?

Jeremy with his family — Jeremy loves to spend time with family

Anything that involves spending time with my family. My Dad taught me the importance of taking time to just hang out and enjoy every experience that your wife and children get to enjoy together. I have never heard anyone say “I wish I didn’t spend all that time with my family”

Others

Teressa Wemmer – 11 Years