Member Spotlight: Cathy Kremer

CUNA Councils
September 12, 2007 | COMMENTS

Cathy Kremer started her career with Melrose Credit Union in Briarwood, New York , in 1990 as a receptionist. “At that time,” she says, “three different people handled the various duties of a HR person.”

Over the years she worked in a variety of positions, including systems operator. When Melrose decided it was large enough to require a full-time human resources manager in 2000, Cathy applied for the job and won the position. Since then she taken care of payroll and benefits, training programs, and spends lots of time talking with employees about their needs.

I was born and raised in New York and still live here with my two daughters,” she says. “Interestingly, I can't decide if my work in HR helps me raise them, or if raising them helps me in HR—both areas require fair and consistent enforcement of rules.”

Biggest challenge in 2007

Helping employees understand that I am not here to take anyone's side but to help both sides understand what the credit union wants from them.

Best advice

Be honest with people regarding weaknesses and strengths. You are there to help them improve, not to sweep problems under the rug.

Greatest benefit of Council membership

Having peers who are in the same boat I am. They have encountered the same issues and faced the same challenges. I greatly value the advice of those who have been there before me.

Best part of my job

Never knowing what the day will bring. It's always changing, and this variety keeps me interested in my career.

Hardest part of my job

Explaining why a rule was bent for someone.

Hobbies and interests

Walking, reading, listening to music, and talking with people.

People would be surprised to learn that I . . .

Don't enjoy being the bad guy.

Recent book

The latest Harry Potter of course, thanks to my oldest daughter Andrea.

Life goal not yet accomplished

Retirement, of course!

Something that always makes me laugh

Dry jokes.

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

Sit and meditate, or just stare off into space! It would allow my brain to take a breather.