Member Spotlight: Bonnie Scrivener

CUNA Councils
June 5, 2007

“I'm fat, fifty-one, and fiercely competitive,” says Bonnie Scrivener, loan officer for Connection Credit Union in Silverdale , Washington . “I am also friendly, honest, and a hard worker. I sometimes lack tact, and I least like the phone.”

There you have it. Bonnie has worked for financial institutions for over 20 years. She began her career as a teller before moving on to be a branch manager and loan department supervisor.

Today she is a loan officer in a small credit union, “which allows me to do what I like best, and provides me with some pretty good hours and benefits,” she says.

Bonnie has four children, four grandchildren, and two dogs. Her husband was the COB on the USS Michigan and now works with submarines at the PSNS Shipyard. She has always been an adventurer. “I have skydived and done scuba,” she says. “My most recent vacation took me to Kenya and Zanzibar .”

Eventually (perhaps after she's ‘adventured out”) Bonnie would like to operate a bed and breakfast because she loves to entertain.

Biggest challenge

Our goal in 2007 is staff retention and putting staffing issues first (and reminding management of this goal).

Greatest benefit of Council membership

It's a great sounding board, and research tool. It is also an excellent resource for finding out how similar (and larger) credit unions handle any task.

Best part of my job

Making members' dreams come true.

Hardest part of my job

Juggling the many issues that push and pull me all day long.

Success story

I had a new teller who was afraid of sales. She had been a waitress previously. In my trainings, I stress features and benefits. At our anniversary dinner (which happened to be at the restaurant where she had previously worked), she knew how the specialties were prepared, and which sides were best, and offered suggestions. I watched her, and at the next staff meeting I explained that she was a sales expert—all she needed to do was think of each bank product as an enchilada. Our checking accounts and CDs have ingredients and features, just like the extra side of salsa. The light went on and she has soared in sales ever since.

Hobbies and interests

Quilting, gardening.

People would be surprised to learn that . . .

I love baseball and make wine at home.

Recent book

The Reluctant Tuscan

Life goal not yet accomplished

I have a list, and learning to play piano is #18.

Something that makes me laugh

Playing with my puppies.

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

I would take long walks and enjoy nature more often.