April 2013
My name is Chrystal Brown and I joined the credit union a little over five months ago. I’ve had the opportunity to work in the financial services industry for over ten years, where I wore many hats. My previous experience prepared me for a smooth transition from a big bank to a credit union, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career.
I am currently a Senior Branch Representative at the Central Branch location and I am excited about my role. One of my favorite things about working for the credit union is the sense of family. On a daily basis I get the opportunity to be a part of our members’ financial footprint. Whether it’s assisting them in purchasing a new car, or opening up an account for their child who will soon be off to college, I get to share in that special moment.
In my previous place of employment I faced challenges head on. While that has been no different in my new role here at the credit union, I soon discovered that those challenges are not faced alone. I work with an awesome team and at a moment’s notice they are willing to roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand. That spirit of support is given throughout the entire organization.
My career path has been all about maximizing my potential and seizing every opportunity. It is a personal goal of mine to learn something new everyday, no matter how big or small it is. My proudest achievement to date has been continuing my education. I am currently pursing my Masters Degree in Science of Leadership at Benedictine University.
I am proud to be a part of the CPFCU family and I look forward to growing with the credit union for many years to come.
Thank you Chrystal for your outstanding work at CPFCU!
Featured Employee: Branch Services Representative
March 2013
My name is Cathy Jacobs and I’m a Branch Representative in the Branch Services department at the Central Branch. I have worked at the credit union for almost five years. My department provides back office support, mainly for branch locations, and other departments within the organization. I have been in the banking industry for 20 years. Most of my previous experience was in private banking, customer service, and mortgages.
My customer service skills and previous banking experience are very helpful in my current position. I enjoy interacting with our members. It is a privilege to meet, greet, and direct members each day from the front desk. I am a people-person so it’s a perfect fit for my personality. I am sure that it helps that I am able to provide candy and pens to them as well. My job has also introduced me to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and the great work that they do.
What I’m most proud of is being a mom to my two grown, married sons. One is an executive chef and the other manages two animal hospitals. They have always kept life interesting. Now that they’re both on their own, my husband and I have three dogs to keep us company.
Cathy- Thank you for being a valuable member of the CPFCU team!
Featured Employee: Senior Branch Representative
My
name is Shenicka Wiggins and I’ve worked at Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal
Credit Union for over ten years. My career here has been all about
starting new endeavors and taking advantage of opportunities as they
arise. I began working in the lending department and then jumped at the
chance to help launch our Call Center in 2003.
It was a great
experience to help build a new department to better serve our members. I
gained a lot of knowledge in the Call Center that helped me continue my
growth at the credit union. In 2006, I was part of the team that
launched CPFCU’s South Branch, our first branch location. I’m still at
the South Branch and continue to take on new tasks such as developing
the credit union’s student loan program.
I am also very
involved with my church where I’ve been a youth counselor for four years
and a greeter for one year. It’s very rewarding to help young people
just by listening to them and being a supportive figure in their lives.
We even go on outings from time to time and that’s always a lot of
fun. One of the things that helps me connect with kids is my love of
sports. I enjoy watching basketball, football, baseball, you name it! I
also love to travel.
I’m always ready for new opportunities and I look forward to continuing my career at CPFCU!
Shenicka- Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm for new challenges!
Featured Employee: CEO, First Chicago Mortgage Services
I’m
John Aretos, the Chief Executive Officer of First Chicago Mortgage
Services. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Chicago Patrolmen’s
Federal Credit Union dedicated to serving the financial needs of
Chicago’s police officers and their families. 2013 marks the 10th year
that I have been affiliated with the credit union helping our members
obtain their first home, or refinancing their existing mortgage. I
enjoy working with our team who is experienced, friendly, and dedicated
to providing exceptional service and competitive rates. It is very
rewarding to work with those who protect and serve our community without
hesitation.
Prior to working with the credit union I had my
own mortgage business. I was born and raised in Chicago and am a
graduate of Indiana University. My interests include travel and outdoor
activities.
John- Thank you for providing our members with mortgage solutions!
Featured Employee: North Branch Representative
My
name is Vanessa Contreras and I’ve been a North Branch Representative
for two years. I started as a part time employee, then after a year, I
decided to work full time. I learned so much in my time with the credit
union. With the knowledge of our products and services that I
acquired, I am able to efficiently assist members. I also learned many
things that currently help me with my personal finances. For example,
I’m planning on purchasing a new car soon and my experience disbursing
loans prepared me for the process!
The best part about my job is
getting to know our members. An interesting fact that many may not know
about me is that I have a twin sister! She recently had a baby boy,
making me the proud auntie of Lucius, who is now seven months old. I
love spending my free time with him.
While I’m learning many new
things at the credit union, I’m also halfway done with obtaining my
associates degree. I am involved in the Early Childhood Ministry at my
church and I’m also a musician. I love to sing and play guitar.
Currently I’m appearing in a play titled Story of Love. This will be my
second year joining the cast.
I look forward to continuing my
education and obtaining my bachelor’s degree in the near future. I’m
also excited to learn new things and to continue my career with CPFCU!
Vanessa- Thank you for your service to the credit union and to our members
Featured Employee: Call Center Representative
I’m
Maria Di Capua and I’m a Call Center Representative. I’ve been with
the credit union for almost one year. It’s been a pretty smooth
transition from my previous experience at a pharmacy and positions in
the healthcare industry. I’m used to being very detail oriented and
it’s extremely important to ensure confidentiality in my current
position. Most importantly, I get to work with people! I love that
every day is different and I also like that it’s fast paced because I’m a
very active person who loves to stay busy.
My need to stay busy is
probably why I have so much going on in my life! I recently got engaged
and not long after, my fiancé and I bought a home. We have an amazing
pit bull named Jemma and we’re looking into adopting another one soon.
I know some people are weary of the breed, but Jemma is such a sweet
and loveable dog. I’m a big sports fan in general and I really love the
Cubs. In my free time I like to work out and play pool.
Maria- Thank you for being a valuable member of the CPFCU team!
Featured Employee: Staff Accountant
I’m
Brian Wierzbinski, and I work at the Central Branch. I’m commemorating
two years with Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union this month.
While I’ve been working here, I’ve also been attending St. Xavier
University. I’m proud to say that I recently graduated with a degree in
Accounting. I am now making the move from Branch Representative to
Staff Accountant, and am very excited to be able to put my education to
use. I’m not done with school yet, though. I will be studying at
DePaul starting next semester to prepare for the CPA exam.
As a
Branch Representative I have really enjoyed taking on new roles and one
of my favorites so far has been loan disbursals. I was able to spend
more time getting to know our members during loan closings. I also
enjoyed getting to know our members and their families, especially if
they’re Sox fans like I am! Taking in a game is one of my favorite past
times and one that I’ll hopefully have more time for when I’m all done
with school. Until then, I’ll be catching as many as I can on TV.
Congratulations Brian! Thank you for your dedication and hard work!
Featured Employee: Midway Branch Representative
I’m
Juli Rios and I started working at the credit union four years ago when
I was just 19! I feel like I’ve grown up with the credit union, having
worked at the Central Branch, South Branch and now the Midway Branch.
No matter where I’ve worked, my favorite part of my job has been the
same; building relationships with our members and my co-workers. I
learned a lot at each location, but I feel like Midway is the best fit
for me. I grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the 8th District, so
it’s nice to be close to home.
One of my proudest achievements
while working at the credit union has been getting involved with the
annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser at the 22nd District. I have been the
lead barber for two years and participated in the last four! It’s the
perfect way to give back since I recently completed cosmetology school.
One day I’d love to own my own salon.
I recently became engaged
and I’ve been kept pretty busy planning my wedding. My fiancé, Esau,
and I are going to be exchanging our vows next fall. Clearly, there’s a
lot of excitement and growth in my life right now- both personally and
professionally. I’m looking forward to all of it!
Thank you Juli for your outstanding work at CPFCU!
Featured Employee: Branch Services Representative
I made another big career move when I decided to go to culinary school. I became a Pastry Chef, and I was even featured in a Starbucks Recipe guide for one of my creations. While it was a great accomplishment, it doesn’t compare to my proudest moments: Adopting my two sons. My first son, Noah, was born in Danang, Vietnam. I travelled to Vietnam in the Spring of 1997 to bring Noah home to Chicago. My second son, Griffin, was also born in Danang and I travelled to Vietnam in the fall of 2000 to bring Griffin home. I also have the privilege of raising two stepsons, Kyle and Ethan. My boys have made my life interesting and fun-filled, and everything I ever wanted.
For the past 4 years I have had the pleasure of working with Chicago Policemen and their families. Interacting with and learning about our members is my favorite part of my job! I truly believe that our members sacrifice so much for all of us and I am very proud to help them. I look forward to new adventures in the future working here at the credit union.
Deb- thank you for bringing your energy and enthusiasm to the CPFCU team!
Deb and Bill live on the South side with their four boys, Kyle, Noah, Griffin and Ethan.
Featured Employee: South Branch Representative
My
name is Stefanie Alvarez, and I am a Branch Representative at the South
Branch. I have been working with Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit
Union for almost seven years. I started as a part-time teller in
November of 2005 and six months later accepted a full-time position as a
Call Center Representative. It was a great opportunity working in our
call center because I learned new skills that I use to this day. When
our North Branch opened in 2008, I took on the challenge of working as a
Branch Representative where I learned how to disburse loans. Not long
after that, I took on the same challenge and responsibilities at our
Central Branch where I continued to learn many new skills.
I
enjoy serving our members by introducing them to the many great products
and services that we offer to help them achieve their financial goals. I
have met so many members and now know many of them by name which makes
me feel great when assisting them. I also enjoy sitting down with
members and answering their questions to find out what best suits their
needs. Chicago Police officers are out there serving and protecting our
city and we are more than happy to help serve and protect their
finances.
I must say I am a very lucky person to be working for
such a great organization. CPFCU has not only allowed me to learn many
new skills, but also helped me to meet a great person that I now call my
husband. He proposed to me in September of 2010 and we were married a
year later. I am truly one lucky woman to have met him and I am a strong
believer that everything happens for a reason. We are hoping to start a
family next year. I also look forward to the new challenges that CPFCU
and life have in store for me.
Stefanie, thank you for your service to the credit union and to our members!
Featured Employee: Branch Services Specialist, Support
As much as I’ve enjoyed my work at the credit union, I am looking forward to my retirement. I won’t be resting anytime soon, though. My free time will be filled with dance, family and volunteer work! The first two go back to my earliest memories as a child; I remember dancing as a toddler with my family gathered around. Everyone was so happy and I knew that dance was a true passion of mine. Over the years I took lessons in ballet, tap and modern dance. You may have seen me on CAN TV dancing away! These days I’m staying fit with Zumba classes and marathons. I also enjoy going out dancing with my husband!
I’m excited that I will be able to spend more time with my husband and with the rest of my family. I’m looking forward to seeing my daughters and grandchildren more often- they are such a blessing in my life. I will also be spending more time volunteering at my church. I like to stay busy and keep learning new things, so I plan to take computer classes in the fall.
I really enjoyed all of my work at the credit union. Thank you to all the members and coworkers who I’ve spent time with. I will miss you all.
Congratulations Angela! Thank you for your exceptional work and enthusiasm. We will miss you!
Featured Employee: Lending Representative
I’m
Kristen Kulinczenko, a Lending Representative at the Central Branch.
This month marks my one year anniversary with the credit union. When I
started, I was splitting my time as both a Branch Representative and a
Lending Representative. It was a great introduction because it built on
my previous customer service experience. Now, I’m excited to focus on
lending and continue to expand my knowledge. My favorite thing about
working at CPFCU is the sense of community. Everybody has the same
goal- to help police officers and their families with their financial
needs.
I’ve always enjoyed being part of a strong team. I was
involved with gymnastics at UIC and our team qualified for the NCAA
tournament two times! While I’m not involved with gymnastics these
days, I am training for a marathon! I’m also looking forward to going
back to school to get my MBA. I want to build upon my education and
experience to continue growing with CPFCU!
Kristen- thank you for being a valuable member of the CPFCU team!
Featured Employee: Central Branch Representative
April 2012
Hello,
I’m Elisha Smith, a Branch Representative at the Central location on
West Washington. I’ve been with Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union
since August 2007. Before that, I worked for nine years as a Customer
Service Supervisor for two sports arenas. Although I do miss the free
concerts and games, the credit union has more to offer. While working at
CPFCU, I enrolled at Malcolm X College, where I received my Associates
Degree in Computer Programming. I enjoy programming, decoding, inputting
data, and preparing flow charts. Before I began my studies in
Information Systems, I was interested in becoming a mortician; yes, a
mortician. While I did not choose that path, it’s never too late for
continuing education.
While working here, I learned so much and
I’m continuing to grasp more knowledge. I recently took on a new
challenge, becoming an IRA specialist. With more training, I will be
your go to person for any of your IRA questions. It’s great to be able
to provide this type of service to our unique membership. You come to
know the members and their families on a personal level. Only great and
exciting things can come from your credit union. Chicago police officers
serve the City of Chicago every day and as an employee of the credit
union; I’m here to serve our members. I am glad to be a part of the
credit union, and will continue to grow here as well.
Outside of
work, I love spending time with my family. I recently became a first
time aunt, to my soon to be seven-month old niece, Autumn Grace. She is
really something. My mother prayed for a long time for this moment and
her prayers were answered. I also enjoy traveling, shopping with my
family and riding my bike along the lakefront with friends. I love going
for spa treatments and attending film festivals downtown. I also listen
to all types of music, but mostly oldies. I’m what you call an old
soul.
Thank you for all your hard work Elisha! We truly appreciate your dedication to CPFCU!
Featured Employee: Legal Services Representative
I’m
Jennifer Valdez and this September will mark my twelve-year anniversary
with the credit union. I started working as a teller at the credit
union in 2000, right after we moved into our building at 1359 W.
Washington. After working as a teller for about a year, I took my first
maternity leave. Shortly after returning I was promoted to teller
supervisor and continued in that position for three more years. During
that time I became engaged and knew I wanted to further expand my family
after I got married. Fortunately for me, at about the same time the
credit union was looking for a Legal Services Representative, a position
to which I applied and was promoted to. I was excited about the
position as I was going to school at that time to become a paralegal.
While I have yet to complete my schooling, the position gave me a
flexible work schedule to accommodate my life of being a mom and a
full-time employee.
My proudest achievement is knowing that for
the past 11 years, I have been a good mother to my children, a good wife
to my husband, and good employee to Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit
Union. Balancing home and work is a difficult challenge, but one that
has been made easier for me thanks to CPFCU.
My favorite thing
about working at the credit union is that I truly believe in our
organization and what we do for our membership. There is a sense of
family that is created on a daily basis with our membership and our
peers. We believe in helping police officers and their families with
their financial needs, just as much as we are thankful that they risk
their lives every day for our safety and well-being. I could not thank
every officer I talk to enough for doing what they do every day, so I
try to do that by giving them the best service I can provide.
I
remember when I began working here; our drive-up teller line at 1359 W.
Washington was not even opened. Since then, we now have a bigger and
more beautiful building, which has four drive-up lanes and an ATM lane-
what an accomplishment! I’m excited to be a part of CPFCU’s continued
growth and success.
Thank you Jennifer for your service to the credit union and to our members!
Featured Employee: Midway Branch Representative
I’m
Leo Jimenez, a Branch Representative at the new Midway Branch. I
started at the North Branch after graduating from UIC. Earning my
bachelor’s degree is my proudest achievement so far, because I’m the
first one in my family to finish college! I built upon my education
with first-hand experience at the North Branch. When I transferred to
the new Midway Branch I was excited to be a part of the founding team. I
love taking on new challenges.
I’ve worked in both the retail
and food service industries in the past, so I have a considerable amount
of customer service experience. This allows me to feel confident
talking to our members, and getting to know them. I love it when I
recognize people and can greet them by name.
I have a variety of
hobbies outside of work. I’m a huge soccer fan, especially the English
League. I watch most of the games on my days off. During the winter I
drive up to Wisconsin to snowboard. It’s a tradition that my friends and
I started about two years ago.
My plans for the future are to
go back to school to continue with my education. I plan to earn a
master’s degree in finance. I’m looking forward to growing with the
credit union and continuing to help our members with their financial
goals.
Leo-Thank you for your ambition and dedication to our members.
Featured Employee: North Branch Supervisor
January 2012
My
name is Jessica Soto and I’ve been a part of the CPFCU team for over
ten years! I started as a Branch Representative, and then moved into
the Member Services department. From there, I went into the Card
Services department before joining the Call Center. I believe that all
of these positions helped me gain valuable skills and knowledge that I
use in my current position as a Supervisor at the North Branch.
I
interned with a small credit union in high school and I really enjoyed
the atmosphere and the feeling of helping others. After graduating, I
briefly worked at a bank, thinking it would be the same type of
environment. This was not the case. They were very sales-focused and
had monthly quotas that needed to be met. I knew it wasn’t the right fit
for me. I feel much more comfortable at CPFCU, since we focus on
building member relationships. We truly stand for our mission to serve
the financial needs of our members and I believe that this is what sets
us apart from other financial institutions.
I really enjoy
getting to know our members and their families. I’m really close with
my family, so it’s nice to see that same bond in our membership. In my
free time I love to spend time with my nieces and nephew. I also enjoy
dancing, swimming, playing soccer and going to the movies. On occasion,
I play with an all girls soccer team during the winter.
I thrive
on servicing our membership to the best of my ability and I take pride
in my work. I’m looking forward to enhancing my career and continuing to
help our members archive their financial goals.
Thank you for all your hard work Jessica! We truly appreciate your dedication to CPFCU!
Featured Employee: Staff Accountant
My name is Josie Ramirez and I’m a Staff Accountant. I started with the credit union in 2004 as a Senior Teller, and advanced to Branch Representative before transitioning to the Accounting Department. I worked for a big bank early in my career, and while I gained valuable experience there, I felt like the emphasis was always on money. I enjoy working at the credit union because our focus is always on the membership.
I think all of my experience at the teller line and in branch services has helped me tremendously in the Accounting Department. I love learning new things and this job gives me plenty of opportunities. I’m also planning on going back to school to continue my growth.
In my free time I love spending time with my family. Over the summer, I spent most evenings outside playing softball with my two daughters. I could always count on my husband to come cheer us on! Now that the weather is keeping us indoors, I love tuning into my favorite television show, Criminal Minds. My mom, sister and I all love it.
I appreciate the flexibility that my job provides, it lets me make the most of my time with my family while-still allowing me to do work that I find challenging and rewarding. My goal is to keep learning more, and keep bringing my best to the CPFCU team.
Thanks for your hard work Josie!
Featured Employee: Business Information Systems Representative
I’m
Jorge Soria and I’ve been with the credit union since 2008. I started
out in Branch Services, and after about a year I moved into the IT
department. I’m always excited by new challenges, so it was a very
fulfilling transition. One of my biggest accomplishments in my new role
was helping to reformat our statements. I know people were looking for
a better and easier-to-read format and I’m proud that I helped to
provide it.
My favorite thing about working at CPFCU is the
personal attention that we give to every member. Everyone is important
and we work hard to figure out what’s right for them- never trying to
meet quotas, like some banks do. This ensures that our relationships
with the members are genuine.
Going back to my love of
challenges, I have a variety of hobbies outside of work. I love to
travel, and recently spent a week in Spain! I also love to watch
foreign flicks, which led me to start a weekly movie night with some
friends. Another favorite pastime is running. I love running along
the lakefront, and I enjoy participating in the Run to Remember every
year.
As CPFCU continues to expand, I’m eager to face new and exciting challenges!
Thanks Jorge for all your hard work and dedication!
Featured Employee: South Branch Supervisor
October 2011
I’m
Kacey Smith and I joined the credit union as a Branch Representative
about five years ago when the South Branch opened. I had some prior
credit union experience, but I was excited about CPFCU’s exceptional
sense of community. I even have a couple cousins on the job, so it is
really rewarding to work for a credit union that only serves officers
and their families. Our branch has become a part of the neighborhood,
and I’m pleased to be a part of that. One of my proudest career moments
was getting promoted to Branch Supervisor a little over two years ago.
It’s
a big departure from my first job, acting on the set of a TV show in
the late 80s when I was a toddler. My mother thought I’d be a huge TV
star! Things obviously have changed quite a bit since then but I am
enjoying all of the new challenges my career brings. In my free time I
have another amazing challenge: to learn two new languages! I look
forward to growing both personally and professionally with the credit
union, and bringing my best to our members!
Thank you Kacey, for being an outstanding member of the CPFCU team!
Featured Employee: Call Center Representative
September 2011
My
name is Janeth Franco and I’m a Call Center Representative. November
will mark my three year anniversary with the Credit Union. I really
enjoy my job because it is both challenging and rewarding. Working in
the Call Center provides me with a substantial amount of product
knowledge which enables me to help members with things such as loans,
certificates, payroll, and much more. I take every call seriously and I
like being able to complete the majority of requests that are presented
to me. I believe members appreciate the fact that they can have all
their questions answered by one person.
I enjoy getting to know
our members and sometimes mention the most important part of my life: my
family. Because of my voice, members are usually surprised to learn
that I have children, but that’s just the voice! I have two boys that
are both animal lovers, so I like to take them to the zoo on weekends.
I
feel like I’ve found a great balance at the credit union. I take pride
in my work and enjoy time with my family as well. To better service
our membership, I work hard to keep up to date on all of our new
products and services. I’m excited to grow with CPFCU.
Thank you Janeth! We are excited to have you on the CPFCU team!
Featured Employee: Branch Representative,Credit Card Specialist
August 2011
My name is Patricia Watson and I recently celebrated my 20 year
anniversary with Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union! I didn’t
expect to be working for a credit union after completing my degree in
Fashion and Merchandising, but after two years in the retail game, I was
ready for a change.
I started out as a teller in 1991, and I’ve
seen a lot change since then. I am currently a Branch Representative,
Credit Card Specialist. I helped launch our very first credit card in
1993, and I’m now an expert on all of our credit and debit card
products. Despite all of the changes, my favorite thing about CPFCU
hasn’t changed: I get to establish a great rapport with many members.
I try to know people both by name and account number. I thrive on
giving members great customer service and finding the right products for
them.
Even though my career path has changed, I still put my
fashion degree to use! I love to shop and travel in my free time. Some
of my favorite souvenirs are the unique additions to my wardrobe from
all over the world.
Thank you for all your hard work Patricia! We truly appreciate your dedication to CPFCU!
Featured Employee: South Branch Manager
June 2011
My name is Josie Garcia and I am the Branch Manager of CPFCU’s South Branch. I have been with the Credit Union for a total of 9 years and have worn a number of hats in my time here. From the moment I walked in for my interview, I knew I wanted to work here. I got my wish when I started as a Member Service Representative in 2000. After two years I left the Credit Union to work at my children’s school. I thought that it would be convenient and rewarding; instead it made me extremely unhappy.
I reapplied at CPFCU, realizing how much your job can influence everything else in your life. Even my family noticed that I was much happier and fulfilled when I came back to CPFCU in 2004! I looked into transferring to the newly-created South Branch as a representative. Not only did I get the transfer, but I was actually promoted to Supervisor as well. I worked hard to become an Assistant Branch Manager and in November 2009 was promoted to Branch Manager.
Even with all of my different experiences, my favorite thing about CPFCU hasn’t changed. I love the interaction with members. I feel successful when I’m able to help members with their financial challenges and truly appreciate the trust our members have in the credit union. I love the branch environment because I feel like I get the chance to build closer relationships with the membership.
My goal is to continue to make the South Branch a warm and inviting environment.
Thank you Josie for being an outstanding part of CPFCU’s team!
Featured Employee: North Branch Assistant Branch Manager
May 2011
My name is Cynthia Baird and I enjoy working at the Credit Union for many reasons. First and foremost, is our membership. Working with a select group, such as the Chicago Police Department, creates a sense of family. The staff is also top notch: we have great teamwork and support throughout the entire organization. We are always looking for ways to enhance products and services to our membership.
I started out in the lending department where I enjoyed helping members with their loan requests. It’s very powerful when you can help someone repair their credit, regain their financial independence and get them back on track. I recently was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager and was transferred to manage the North Branch at 5310 N Harlem. I look forward to creating a welcoming environment for each and every member that visits our branch. I have been working in the Credit Union industry since 1979 and can honestly say we have the best members here at the Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union. If you’re on the North side of the City, I hope you allow us the privilege of assisting you with all of your financial needs.
Cindy-Thank you for your service and dedication to our members.
Featured Employee: Controller
April 2011
My name is Tom Nyhan and I have been with Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union for 2 years. As Controller, I manage the Accounting and Finance Department and report to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Bryan Milligan. My duties as Controller include preparing and reviewing credit union financial statements like the Income Statement and Balance Sheet, managing the Accounting Department, reviewing all company transactions to ensure proper accuracy and quality, and working with our auditors to ensure proper adherence to accepted accounting standards.
In January of 2008, I was laid off from my previous job as Controller. In my search for a new position, I came across a job opening at Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union. My dad was a Chicago Police Officer for 33 years in the 18th District. I knew he was a member of a police credit union, but I was not sure if Chicago Patrolmen’s was the one he was in. I did not tell him I was considering the position because like most cops that have worked 30 years he knows everyone. I knew that he would have tried to “pull some strings” to get me the position if he could and though I appreciate that, I wanted to make sure that if I got the position it would be on my own merit.
During the interview process I was very impressed with the personalities of those I interviewed with. I got the feeling that CPFCU was a place where the people are very friendly and like to have a good laugh, but also had a strong work ethic and sense of purpose. This was exactly the type of environment I was looking for. In addition, I was very impressed with the strength of CPFCU’s Balance Sheet, which is a great indicator of a company’s overall financial status.
In February of 2008, I accepted the position and let my dad know. He was thrilled that I was working at CPFCU, though probably more thrilled that I had a job! He has been a member at CPFCU for many years. Since then, he has asked me to give him my opinion of the financial strength of the credit union. I was pleased to tell him that the company is in excellent shape financially and that there is not a better place for him to take care of all of his banking needs including different types of loans and credit cards. We also discussed how commercial banks are for profit institutions that are more concerned with their profits and stockholders than their ‘customer’. On the other hand, our credit union is not for profit, owned and directed by its ‘members’. This philosophy puts the member’s needs and desires at the forefront of everything we do.
In the past year, I became a member at CPFCU by opening my own share account and re-financing my house through CPFCU. Now my dad and I are both members and have one more thing in common. It’s one thing to have a job, but when you work at a place where you believe in the quality of service or product that is being provided, you’re twice blessed. I’m proud to help provide a valuable service to the men and women in blue.
Tom, thank you for your work and support of CPFCU.
Featured Employee: Real Estate and Business Lending Manager
March 2011
My name is Nick Gregor and I’ve been with the credit union since 2003. I have always been involved in the lending area, starting my career gaining familiarity with Chicago Patrolmen’s consumer loan products. Over time I acquired status as a loan officer and began shifting my focus to real estate lending via servicing our home equity and first mortgage products.
In 2008, the credit union opened a service organization, First Chicago Mortgage Services. Until that point, we had outsourced all of our first mortgage origination to third party vendors. This new organization allowed the credit union to bring that service in house, and created an exciting opportunity for me. I have been involved with nearly every aspect of the business, and have gained invaluable experience with respect to the mortgage origination process as well as the general operations of the company. These experiences have provided me first hand knowledge of what it takes to run a successful business.
Towards the end of 2010, I took on the challenge of managing the credit union’s real estate and business loan portfolio, in addition to maintaining my role with First Chicago Mortgage Services. Chicago Patrolmen’s business lending program offers one of the largest areas of potential growth for the credit union, and I look forward to playing an intricate role in the programs’ continued development.
Chicago Patrolmen’s FCU has offered me many unique opportunities that I believe will serve me well throughout my career. It has been a privilege to serve the Chicago Police, and I cherish the relationships that have come as a result of interacting with members through some of the largest financial decisions they will face in their lifetime.
Nick, we thank you for your service to both the credit union and First Chicago Mortgage Services.
Featured Employee: North Side Branch Representative
February 2011
My name is Sanam Kazi and I have been with Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union for two and a half years. My previous experience was at a smaller credit union in my hometown of Madison, WI. I learned how credit unions differ from banks and I became dedicated to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” When I relocated to Chicago I really wanted to stay with a Credit Union, and found a great fit with Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union. I am so happy to be a part of the CPFCU team, both because of the “not-for-profit” philosophy, and the outstanding membership that we serve.
I work at the North Branch as a Branch Representative. My job allows me to get to know our members, their families and their financial goals. I love finding solutions that fit each member’s needs. The Credit Union offers an array of amazing products and services and it is really rewarding to find the right ones for each individual.
I am proud to serve Chicago’s police officers and look forward to continuing my career with CPFCU!
Sanam, we thank you for your service to the credit union and our members!
