3 minutes
How I went from a CU teller to a Vice President at CUES
When people ask me what I do for my job, my standard reply is that I get to play with my friends, make new ones and get paid to do it. But to get a little more specific, my actual title is VP/Sales and Member Relations for the southeast region for CUES. I live in Oviedo, FL; the organization is headquartered in Madison, WI. My job entails developing and fostering relationships with credit unions for education and talent development, and serving as a key point of contact and a resource for the members in my region.
My work involves a lot of communicating and interaction, gathering intelligence on the hot-button issues facing the industry, identifying resources necessary to ensure success and raising the overall knowledge base of CUES members about our objectives. Basically, it all comes down to relationships, which is really how I ended up in this role, although my history in the credit union industry did provide me with a great foundation for the job.
That started in July 1988 when I was hired as a teller at Fairwinds Credit Union in Orlando (at that time it was Navy Orlando Federal Credit Union). I had no intention of staying whatsoever. It was just a job that would help pay the bills and make it possible to move from Indiana to Florida, where it doesn’t snow and where I grew up spending spring break visiting relatives every year since second grade.
When I gave my notice at Fairwinds CU to take another job outside of the industry, I was told that I couldn’t go, that the organization had plans for me. Long story short, I was placed in a management development program, went on to hold several positions at the credit union and left as the president of the CUSO after over 16 years.
Although I loved my time at Fairwinds CU—they will always be family to me—I left because I felt it was time for new challenges and opportunities. But my next position as account vice president with CUES Supplier member Southwest Business Corporation wasn’t the greatest fit because it required a lot of travel. It wasn’t the best timing; I was a single mom of two young kids and the health of both of my parents was failing. After two years I had to make a decision—my job or my family. I took a leap of faith and started my own business, primarily working in employee benefits in the credit union space, and was self-employed for five years.
Never burn bridges! I left my positions on good terms and have a longstanding relationship with both organizations today. This industry is very small and you never know who you will run into and what roles you’ll play with others in the future. In fact, Fairwinds CU actually became a client of mine when I was self-employed. And later, a longtime friend and former credit union peer was instrumental in bringing me another opportunity. He was having drinks with my now boss, Dawn Poker, at the League of Southeast Credit Union’s conference when she brought up the need to hire someone in the region for a new position. He mentioned me to her, texted me while they were together, and basically brokered my interview for the following day. I’ve been here six years now.
My career path takeaway? First, find out who your peers are and develop relationships with them. This industry shares, so embrace that. For example, I started a Florida group of CUSO managers that met several times a year. Also, get involved in industry associations. I was on the local chapter board, the league services board and the NACUSO board. And get involved with your local community when it makes networking sense.
Always seek new learning and networking opportunities as you never know when these will help you in the future. And remember, there are always concerns with any new opportunity, but for me, I feel as if each position prepared me for the next. If you feel you’re stagnating, that’s the time to look for new challenges.
Tammy O’Hara is VP/sales and member relations at CUES.
