Member Spotlight: Brenda G. Smith

Mark Crawford, CUNA Councils
August 23, 2006

I was born in Tennessee and moved to Battle Creek, Michigan when I was one year old. Since then I have lived my entire life in Battle Creek and feel it is a great community. I have one son who is a junior at Michigan State University.

I have worked for OMNI Community Credit Union for 32 years, where I started as a teller and have worked in every department. I went into management in 1990 as a branch manager and also wore the hats of training, human resources, and compliance. In 2003 I was able to give up my branch responsibilities and focus entirely on HR and training. This year I was able to pass on compliance.

It is wonderful! I am a one-person HR department for a $200-million credit union with six full-service branches and 100 employees. Because of our HR practices, in 2005 we were selected as one of the “101 Best and Brightest

Employers in Southwest Michigan.” We continue to grow and prosper and attract talented team members.

Biggest challenge for 2006

So many to choose from! Merger, computer conversion, building a new branch.

Best advice

Take the time and energy to develop a team environment. It is very much worth the effort in the rewards it brings to every department of the credit union.

Greatest benefits of Council membership

Access to the Listserv library and nationwide expertise at the click of a button. Everyone is always so willing to assist and I am glad to return the favor whenever I can. The access to so much knowledge and resources is fantastic.

Best part of my job

Team member recognition and incenting team members.

Hardest part of my job

Assisting team members to determine if they are in the right job to be happy and fulfilled, and then helping them enhance it or change the situation.

Best success story

We created a call center/support services department in 2006. We chose the right leader. She has led her team to success after success. They continue to set goals and achieve those goals—it is a great work environment!

Hobbies/interests

Collecting (Hallmark ornaments, snowmen, Jim Shore creations, cookbooks, depression glass, brooches). I also love music.

People would be surprised to learn that I . . .

Once sang with a band.

Most recent book

Reclaiming Higher Ground by Lance H.K. Secretan

Life goals not yet accomplished

Getting my SPHR certification. Becoming a school board member.

Something that always makes me laugh

Children's remarks, stupid jokes, my son.

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

I would use it to improve my mind, body, and soul.