START UP: Creating Lasting Relationships
WESTconsin Credit Union is Inspiring Better for their members and employees
WESTconsin Credit Union is just as committed to its employees as it is to its members and that shows in the number of employees that have been with the company for many years.
Four out of the seven WESTconsin’s Chief Officers – Lora Benrud, Stephanie Rasmussen, Jerilyn Kinderman, and Niki Yarrington – have been with the company for several years.
WESTconsin’s current CEO, Lora Benrud, started as a part-time teller 38 years ago, right out of college. She has worked in several different capacities in the company including member service, office supervision, human resources, and as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for 15 years. Now, Benrud is in her ninth year as the first female CEO in WESTconsin history.
“I am thankful for the many experiences I have had here,” Benrud said. “The things I learned in my earlier years have helped me with what I work on today. Working in these different jobs has shown me that we need kind, caring, and engaged employees in all positions to serve our members, communities, and each other.”
Previously working at other financial institutions, the current CFO, Jerilyn Kinderman, joined the team in 2014 because of WESTconsin’s financial strength and reputation – but also because of the positive work environment she discovered.
“I remember the second interview I had and I walked out going, ‘I want to work with these people,’” Kinderman said. “There’s good energy, there are good vibes, that was the moment that it felt right.”
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No need is too small or too big, they’re all treated the same.
niki yarrington
chief talent officer at westconsin credit union
Niki Yarrington is the Chief Talent Officer and works heavily with WESTconsin employees across the company. Starting as a human resource manager with the company 19 years ago, Yarrington sees firsthand how every member and employee are treated like family.
“We really take pride in helping individuals with whatever their needs are and treating each member as an owner in the business,” Yarrington said. “No need is too small or too big, they’re all treated the same.”
The Chief Experience Officer, Stephanie Rasmussen, takes pride in the fact that there are so many women in higher level roles in the company and said how heavily ingrained in the WESTconsin culture it is to have the best of the best on their team.
“The cool thing is we don’t necessarily think about it,” Rasmussen said. “We’re proud of it and we know that we’re forging a path for other women, but overall we don’t think about it much which means it really is just part of our culture.”
Employee retention is also high because WESTconsin believes in the power of promoting from within and their commitment to a “life-work” balance, where the heaviest concentration for employees is on their families.
“We have hard-working and talented people, but we know the importance of family,” Kinderman said. “I think as a woman that helps us meet our goals and get to where we want to go. I think it just nurtures development all around, not just for women but for everybody.”
Whether you’re looking to become a member within the credit union or thinking of joining the WESTconsin team in any capacity, you’ll be met with friendly and hard-working individuals who are passionate about the community and people they meet along the way.
“Behind every member is a story,” Rasmussen said. “It’s somebody’s dream, somebody’s plan that we helped make possible and that’s something we take very seriously here at WESTconsin.”
WESTconsin Credit Union
Phone: (800) 924-0022
Online: westconsincu.org | Instagram | Facebook
