Member Spotlight: Maggie Pope

CUNA Lending Council
May 27, 2009 | COMMENTS

Maggie Pope is Senior Loan Officer at Peru Central School Federal Credit Union in Peru, New York. A native upstate New Yorker, Maggie has been in financial services for most of her life, the last five in the credit union industry. She is presently training with her manager to possibly assume her position when she retires at the end of 2010.

“It's a lot of work, but I am dedicated to learning every aspect of our credit union,” says Maggie. “I know I will continue to learn new things every day, even after she retires, and am up for that challenge.”

Maggie and her husband Mark have three children: James, Colin and Brittany.

Biggest challenge

The current economic status of our country is the biggest challenge facing any credit union.

Best advice

If you have a great work ethic, keep it—you will reap the rewards!

Greatest Council benefit

Learning from other Council members. I enjoy the suggestions, comments, questions, etc.

Best part of my job

Giving members the second chance to prove they are worth the risk when approving their loan.

Hardest part of my job

Telling a member I am unable to approve their loan for whatever reason.

Success story

Recently I had a member that wanted to see her son graduate from military boot camp. She had no credit and only a part-time job. Because it was a small amount and she did fit within our lending guidelines, I approved her loan. She literally was in tears and gave me the biggest hug! Result: We helped her build credit and the "word of mouth" advertising she gave us was worth it (she even paid off the loan early).

Biggest misconception people have about my job

That just because I work with money I have a lot of it!

Hobbies and interests

I enjoy boating and golfing with my family and friends.

Recent book

Believe it or not, I love to read cookbooks!

Life goal not yet achieved

I am working towards one of those goals right now—taking over for my manager when she retires. I would also like to learn how to play the guitar.

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

I'd spend an extra hour on Lake Champlain in our boat.

Favorite quote

‘If it's meant to be, it will be.”

If I could spend a day with anyone . . .

It would be Emeril Lagasse—I think he could teach me a thing or two about cooking.

How I would explain the credit union difference to a potential new member

I would tell them that credit unions are all about people helping people.