Member Spotlight: Krista Wood

CMBDC
November 11, 2008 | COMMENTS

Krista Wood is marketing specialist for Preferred Federal Credit Union in Greenville, Michigan. She started her career in finance with a luxury car dealership in Grand Rapids where she worked for five years before joining the credit union industry.

“My first job at the credit union was member service rep,” says Krista. “I was thrilled to know that I could still meet new people and also help them with their finances. After three months I was able to advance to the marketing position where I have found my true passion and am able to use my creative side!”

Krista was married in April 2006 and is the mother of two children. She and her husband reside in her hometown of Greenville.

Biggest challenge

Getting members to sign up for e-statements.

Best advice

Keep a positive attitude. Always ask someone if you are in a slump. You will usually get support from your upper management.

Greatest benefit of Council membership

Everyone has wonderful ideas and experiences to share. It's nice to see what programs have worked for others in the past and get opinions from more experienced marketers.

Best part of my job

Getting out in the public and attending different events on behalf of the credit union.

Hardest part of my job

Staying organized. There is a lot that goes on in the Marketing Department and I am a one-person shop.

Success story

We had given away an interest-free loan last quarter. Anyone who took out a loan through Preferred Federal Credit Union was entered into a drawing to receive that loan at 0% for the term of that loan.

We marketed our “Red-Hot Loan Giveaway” by displaying Hot Sauce at each of the teller windows, and in the Loan Department. We also handed flyers out to our members, had an article in our newsletter, and hung posters in the lobby as well as in our foyer that is facing the main road. Members or potential members were also given visuals by seeing many advertisements in our local paper as well as audio by advertising on our local radio station. Overall it was a success and we have a very happy member that saved over $3,000 in interest!

Biggest misconception about my job

That marketing is just a 9-to-5 job. In reality it is the complete opposite. I am very involved in the community, both before and after credit union hours. I am considered the "face" of the credit union and am the one who represents our name.

Hobbies and interests

I love to spend my extra time with my family. Together we enjoy taking short trips and going camping. The outdoors had always been an important role in my childhood and it's nice to pass that along to my own children.

Recent book

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.

Life goal not yet accomplished

Skydiving. My father and I have always wanted to go—we are the adventurous ones in the family.

Favorite quote

"Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today, because if you enjoy it today, you can do it again tomorrow" (James Michener).

If you could share a day with anyone, it would be . . .

My husband. We always have such a fun time together. We make the most of what is in front of us at the time. And who to better share a day with than your best friend?

How would I explain the credit union difference to a potential new member?

I would tell them that the members own the credit union. Members are the voice in the operations. Once you are a member, you are always a member. You get a "Lifetime" membership. We also have some of the lowest interest rates on both loans and credit cards in the area.