OSHKOSH, Wisconsin (Oct. 3, 2019) – The CUNA Operations & Member Experience Council, a member-led organization comprised of nearly 1,000 credit union professionals, has named Verve, a Credit Union’s VP of learning and development Kristin Steede the 2019 inductee into the Professional of the Year. The distinction recognizes Steede for her impactful work on Verve’s internal culture initiatives.
“This award is a mere reflection of the amazing team we have at Verve, and I have benefited tremendously from being part of a highly collaborative environment,” Steede said. “Verve’s intentional culture, which focuses on unlocking each team member’s potential, has taken my skill and ability to new heights and makes winning this award such a great honor. Being recognized by peers on a national level energizes the work we do and encourages me to continue challenging the status quo to better serve the needs of others so we can all live fuller, richer and more impactful lives.”
The CUNA Operations & Member Experience Council awarded Steede the Professional of the Year title at its annual conference in Chicago on September 12.
“Through her insight, dedication and leadership, Kristin has played a key role in helping a culture of servant leadership flourish at Verve,” Kevin J. Ralofsky, president and CEO at Verve, said. “Her efforts have had a measurable impact on the experience we provide for our members as well as the strength of our credit union. As a team, we’re overjoyed that Kristin has been recognized on a national level for her exceptional work.”
In addition to Steede’s Professional of the Year award, Verve also received a Best of Show award in the Excellence in Operations and Member Experience, Sales and Service Management category. The award recognizes credit unions that have facilitated unique, innovative or outstanding approaches to member service.
“The operational excellence award shows how the work Kristin and the rest of our team is investing into our culture of servant leadership is making Verve a great place to work, and our members feel the difference,” Ralofsky said.
Verve emphasizes servant leadership in its workplace culture and was named one of Credit Union Journal’s Best Credit Unions to Work For three years in a row. Some unique aspects of the Verve work environment include one-on-one coaching for team members, a robust recognition program based on member experience, a wellness program that facilitates morning team stretching sessions and more, casual dress days that raise money for charity, and the opportunity to participate in random acts of kindness known as Random Acts of Verve.
Founded in 1937, Verve, a Credit Union, is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with nearly $1 billion in assets and serves close to 60,000 members at 16 locations. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in 23 counties throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota and to employees of Kimberly-Clark Corp., Fox River Paper Co., the medical services industry and the immediate family of any current member. Federally insured by NCUA.
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