Member Spotlight: Deb Prior

October 23, 2009

Deb Prior is director of marketing and community development for Upper Valley Community Credit Union in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Born in Hartford, Connecticut to a military family, as a young girl Deb grew up in Germany, West Virginia, and Connecticut. She finally settled in Vermont, where she has performed numerous roles in the financial industry. Deb has won several awards over the years, all of which stemmed from “my creativity and interest in people,” she says.

Biggest challenge

Erasing the "mystery of membership" and letting consumers know they do have a choice in financial institutions and that credit unions are safe harbors with all the same products and services as a bank, plus the human element thrown in!

Best advice

Love what you do. I have worked for banks and the credit union is a breath of fresh air. It is all about people and doing what is best for them. There are truly real people here. I believe in the credit union concept, principles, and development. We make a difference in people's lives.

Greatest Council benefit

The sharing! You think banks would do this? Not on your life!

Best part of my job

Every day is different. There is not a part of my job that I don't like. I am dealing with people so each day brings a new set of challenges and rewards.

Success story

It has been an intense period of change at our credit union. We bought a building, remodeled, changed core systems, implemented a new logo, branded our credit union, upgraded and widened our products and services, increased electronic capabilities, and kept the same staff! Viva la difference! We have a credit union at work account for SEGS, three different levels of accounts for minors, and money markets members can write checks against. We are a small credit union with 3,400 members and 17 million in assets.

Biggest misconception about my job

That it is easy being me!

Hobbies and interests

Grandchildren (they are stinkin' awesome), community involvement, writing, reading.

Recent book

A collection of Stephen King short stories.

Life goal not yet achieved

To make a difference always.

Something that always makes me laugh

Lots of things! I laugh every day! One critically important thing to have in life is a sense of humor. Even God has one, I am sure of it.

If I had an extra hour in the day . . .

I would accomplish more.

Favorite quote

“I have done so much with so little for so long, I am perfectly qualified to do anything with nothing.'

If I could spend a day with anyone it would be . . .

Mother Theresa. That much goodness in one human just has to be witnessed firsthand.

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

It's all about people. Our profits are invested and returned to our members in loans. It is neighbor helping neighbor. It's all about attitude. If you believe in what you doing, it comes easily.

> Connect with Deb Prior in CUNA Councils Connect

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