I grew up in Illinois, then moved to Memphis, Tennessee for my career as a travel agent. This is where I met my husband who was finishing his PhD at St. Jude’s children’s Research Hospital. From there we moved to England for his postdoctoral research at Oxford University. This is also where we started our family and I later worked as a teacher’s assistant. In 2009, his career brought him to Dalhousie University and it’s here in Halifax that we plan to stay.

2. Can you highlight your educational background and professional experience?

I completed a Marketing & Management course at a community college in Illinois and worked as a teller at a credit union with a three-lane, vacuum tube propelled banking system (pre-ATM days!). I later went to live with one of my sisters in San Diego to attend a travel agent training course and worked in that industry for over 15 years before starting our family. My experience in travel and retail sales as well as human resources brought me to CUA seven years ago.

3. What drew you to banking?

I was specifically drawn to CUA as a company because of its “better way” which includes personalized products, friendly service, knowing our members by name, giving back to our community and promoting local businesses.

4. Since joining CUA, what other positions have you held?

In addition to my Financial Services Representative (FSR) front line duties, I also assist our Customer Contact Centre callers, train new FSRs and help with our Branch Administrator’s reports.

5. What does a “regular” workday look like for you?

I enjoy my drive along Lake Hubley to our Tantallon Branch where I handle the opening duties and reports to prepare our Branch for the day ahead. I assist our members with their day-to-day transactions, refer them to one of our Financial Advisors if needed and assist with our balancing duties before closing for the day. 

6. What is the best part of your job?

Assisting all the friendly members I have the pleasure of getting to know and promoting #Loyal2local shopping on my Instagram and Facebook pages. This could include warm bagels from Izzy’s, a specialty coffee from the Glitter Bean, Friday night pizza dough from D & Jo’s, local beer or cider, farm produce from Norbert’s Good Food or a great meal at the Flying Apron or The Highwayman. 

7. Since being in your role with CUA, what is the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

How to utilize our work resources and team to best assist our members. It’s never too early or too late to have a conversation with one of our caring Financial Advisors.

8. What is one piece of financial advice that you believe everyone should follow?

My first piece of advice is that savings, no matter how small, always lead to peace of mind. My second piece of advice is that no financial question is too trivial to run past one of our Financial Advisors.

9. Outside of your professional life, what is your favourite activity or hobby?

By far, chasing waterfalls with family and friends to share with the Waterfalls of Nova Scotia Facebook group.

10. Do you perform volunteer or community work (boards, committees, sports, etc.) and if so, what? 

My soccer mom and PTA days are behind me, so now I enjoy being active in my church community outreach programs such as Sunday Suppers and pitching in with my CUA friends on the yearly “Coldest Night of the Year” fundraising walk. This summer my daughter and I took part in the Halifax Pride Parade for the first time, and it was great fun!

11. What is your favourite meal to cook at home or order at a restaurant?

Most often it’s spaghetti, made-from-scratch brownies, or our Friday pizzas at home.  I also enjoy a warm cappuccino with a yummy baked good from one of the many local cafés before or after one of my weekend waterfalls adventures.

Email Kelly

Meet the CUA Team