Young Professional Spotlights
Chelsea Fountain
How long have you been in the credit union industry.
Six years.
What is your favorite thing about working in the credit union?
It is so hard to narrow it down because there are so many reasons I love working at a credit union. I love the impact and outreach that we have in our local communities. We truly make a difference in people’s lives. I also love that the industry shares common goals and is friendly in supporting one another.
Favorite movie that you can see over and over?
Miss Congeniality
What are you binge watching right now?
Manifest
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I wish my answer was a superpower that could do good in the world but if I’m being honest, I would love to be able to teleport myself to locations of my choosing. I have family spread out all over the country. It would fill my heart to be able to make it to all their events like I do for family that is local. I also love to travel and watch sports so to be able to teleport myself to those events would be incredibly convenient.
Derek McWilliams
Vice President of Marketing
Sabine Federal Credit Union
Orange, Texas
How long have you been in the credit union industry?
20 years
Who is your role model and why?
There are a few that I have in mind, but one that immediately comes to mind: Lisa Baione, who is the senior vice president of marketing at DuGood Credit Union. Lisa was instrumental in taking me under her wings when I was approached to join the marketing department after only being at DuGood for eight months. During that time, I learned many nuggets of gold from her during the four years that I worked under her. There would be days that I would just go sit in her office and just talk, sometimes about life in general. She always listened with a smile but also would be real with me (which was needed most of the time). She really cares about her employees and strives to the best of the best.
There is one nugget of wisdom that sticks out most to me and continues to help me to this day in my role: When you receive a sponsorship or donation request – take the time to review it, look at all angles and most importantly look at the return on investment that it will bring. Most importantly, benefitting the organization but second is the ROI of what would come back to the credit union – whether it is through loans, deposit accounts, etc.
I have many of those nuggets of gold tucked away in my back pocket and use them in my current role as vice president of marketing at Sabine Federal Credit Union. If it weren’t for her, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today and for that I am very blessed and thankful.
What is your favorite movie you can see over and over again?
The Hangover or any of the Madea movies.
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?
My favorite place I’ve traveled is Boston. I went back in 2004 with my church youth group and we learned so much U.S. history. It was a very humbling experience to be in the same spots that some of America’s Founding Fathers were in as well as different history-making events that took place.
What is your favorite thing about working in the credit union?
It’s the credit union motto of “people helping people.” I firmly believe this statement, as it is practiced every day with our members. Members become like your own family over time and you grow and experience life with them. To be able to help them in their time of need or support local community events brings a smile to my heart and I am truly blessed to be a part of such an awesome movement.