Member Spotlight: Christina Muska

CMBDC
December 8, 2009 | COMMENTS

Christina Muska is marketing coordinator for First Nebraska Educators Credit Union in Omaha. Born and raised in a small town north of Omaha, she spent her life growing up on the family farm, trying to think of fun things to do with her brother.

“Because we didn't have neighbors like the city kids, we had to rely on our creativity to keep us entertained,” she remembers.

She eventually headed to the "big city" of Omaha, where she attended UNO and decided to major in marketing and advertising. It didn't take her long to find a marketing leadership role in the credit union industry—at the tender age of 21!

“In the fall of 2007, at the start of my junior year, I received this amazing opportunity to lead FNECU's marketing department,” she says. “I truly am thankful for this opportunity. I'm working extremely hard to succeed in this position and help First Nebraska Educators Credit Union continue to grow and thrive in the financial services industry.”

Biggest challenge

It's difficult to go up against the large banks that have such a strong presence in the Omaha area. In terms of convenience, they can offer more locations and consequently more visibility. Another challenge is gaining the attention of the Gen Y'ers and increasing the number of younger members who use us as their primary financial institution.

Best advice

If you know what you want in your life, work hard for it and never stop believing that one day everything will fall into place. Never think your dreams are impossible.

Greatest benefit of Council membership

So far, it has been being able to access all of the information shared by other Council members. Answers to questions are just an e-mail away.

Best part of my job

The best part is being able to be creative yet still be challenged. It's fast-paced and I love knowing that the work I'm doing reaches so many people and increases business for our credit union.

Hardest part of my job

Because I'm still going to school full-time and working full-time hours, my life can be very stressful. I'm my toughest critic, so the hardest part is trying to get my pieces to live up to the idea I have for them in my head.

Biggest misconception people have about my job

That it's all easy and laid-back work! I don't think a lot of people understand that there is a tremendous amount of work involved in this job. It's a lot of fun, which makes any job easier, but it also requires a lot of hard work and dedication.

Hobbies and interests

I love to read or play the piano when I have free time. I also love to cook and play with my German shepherd/chow dog, Nika.

Recent book

The Beatles Capitol Hits Volume 1 (piano music); The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho).

Life goal not yet achieved

I'm young, so I have quite a few! Owning my own house will be a pretty exciting one to accomplish.

Something that always makes me laugh

My family and my husband. We're all very off-the-wall people so we're constantly laughing.

Favorite quote

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” (George Carlin).

Music in my MP3 player

Sia, Zero 7, Massive Attack, or podcasts of KCRW's “Morning Becomes Eclectic."

If I could spend a day with anyone . . .

My mom—she's my best friend and I don't get to see her as much as I would like to.

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

I would ask them to describe how they would like to be treated at their bank, whether it be having the tellers know them by name, being recommended to products and services that will truly benefit them, having friendly people who are genuinely interested in helping them with their finances, or feeling comfortable with where their financial business is being conducted. Then I would bring them into the lobby and let them see that credit unions offer all of those things and a lot more.