Member Spotlight: Susanne Witteborg

CUNA Councils
January 7, 2008 | COMMENTS

Susanne Witteborg has been director of human resources for the South Carolina Credit Union League & Affiliates for more than three years. She manages all the HR functions for the league's 70 employees and also works with some of the state's small- to medium-sized credit unions on a variety of consulting projects, from CEO searches to personnel file audits. “I really enjoy the opportunity to get ‘out of the box' and work with credit union professionals throughout the state,” she says.

Prior to joining the South Carolina Credit Union League, Susanne spent 10 years as the HR director for a private group home that served hundreds of abandoned, abused, and neglected teens and adolescents. During her term she facilitated tremendous staff growth, going from about 60 employees to over 200 employees.

Susanne lives in Columbia with her husband Larry and cat Cleo. They are visited occasionally by their 21-year-old son Eric “whenever he wants a free meal!”

Biggest challenge

Due to restructuring, we had to make tough decisions in 2007, including the elimination of some positions. It's very challenging to manage change, maintain appropriate levels of communication, and attempt to maintain positive staff morale during times of change.

Greatest benefit of Council membership

Access to information, colleagues, and training. The List serve provides a great exchange of ideas and instant access to a lot of brain power!

Best part of my job

Working with credit unions in a consulting role is extremely enjoyable and rewarding. I also feel very lucky to work with a great group of folks here at the league, all of whom are very dedicated to credit unions. And I live only five minutes from the office!

Hardest part of my job

Dealing with the end of someone's employment for involuntary reasons, whether it is a lay-off or for-cause termination, I always try to stay mindful of the huge impact the decision has on someone's life, as well as their family.

Hobbies and interests

Traveling to new places, spending time at the coast, reading, and watching too much TV!

People would be surprised to learn that . . .

I often go to a local bar where I'm the only non-tattooed, non-pierced, non-20-something person—to hear my son's alt-rock band play.

Recent book

The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler.

Life goals not yet accomplished

Traveling to Italy, taking a cruise, learning to kayak.

Things that always make me laugh

Dogs hanging their heads out of car windows and re-runs of "Friends" or "Seinfeld."

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

I'd probably sleep!