Member Spotlight: Meaghan Natale

CUNA Councils
October 17, 2007 | COMMENTS

Four years ago Meaghan Natale began working for Allegis Credit Union in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She started as a member service representative while attending Western Michigan University. During the summer of 2005 she interned in the marketing department, which was also her major in school. After Meaghan graduated she was offered the training position of education coordinator.

“Allegis never had a formal training program and the position itself was new, too,” says Meaghan. “Over the last year and a half we have built a new training room and designed a blended learning program for new employees, as well as ongoing training for our staff.”

Meaghan was never aware of the credit union difference until she began working with Allegis Credit Union. “I have come to entirely support the credit union philosophy and am an advocate of increased financial education for our youth,” she adds. “Recently, we worked with the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of America to teach them about the importance of saving and how credit works. We hosted each of their meetings at our branch and helped them earn their patches and pins for financial education.”

Biggest challenge for 2007

Putting together an ongoing classroom schedule for our employees that will meet all of their scheduling needs.

Best advice

Implement a blended learning program that includes text, audio, visual, and hands-on training. It increases the knowledge retention and makes things more engaging for everyone.

Greatest benefit of Council membership

I just recently joined the Council but have already received many e-mails that offer great input about a variety of topics. I think that the network of members that are available as resources will be the greatest benefit of the membership.

Best part of my job

Visiting each branch and interacting with our entire staff on a regular basis.

Hardest part of my job

Finding ways to get past road blocks, but I love challenges and once I get past them, it feels that much better.

Recent success story

Twice a year we close our branches and have an all-day in-service. We call these days spring and fall "training camps.” They have a Team Allegis theme and we concentrate on a different sport each time for inspiration. Training camp is always a success because everyone gets to be together, the learning is presented in a fun way, and with Team Allegis, everyone wins!

Hobbies and interests

Traveling, cooking, live music, learning new things.

People would be surprised to learn that . . .

I can speak Italian.

Recent book

For One More Day by Mitch Albom.

Life goal not yet accomplished

Travel to the Ukraine.

Something that always makes me laugh

My friends!

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

Spend it awake—not sleeping!