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Katahdin FCU’s Lisa Martin and Interim League President Cris Wescott.
Each year at our League’s Annual Meeting and Convention, now known as Elevate, hard-working, diligent, dedicated people within our state’s credit union movement are recognized at the Awards Ceremony. Every year, one credit union employee is chosen to receive the Jeanette G. Morin Outstanding Credit Union Employee Award to celebrate their leadership, commitment, and overall involvement in advancing credit unions in our state.
Our League extends our sincerest congratulations to Lisa Martin, Chief Operating Officer at Katahdin FCU, for being named the 2024 Outstanding Credit Union Employee! Martin was nominated for this award by her boss, CEO Tina Jamo, for always going the extra mile to serve the credit union’s members, community, and employees on a daily basis.
Martin joined the credit union in 1985 and after 39 years at Katahdin FCU, Martin has devoted ample time, energy, and care to advocating for those she serves. She has also held multiple roles within the credit union including Teller, Assistant Visa Clerk, Loan Processor, Loan Officer, Financial Service Representative, Financial Services Team Leader, Financial Services Manager, and her current role, allowing her to have a well-rounded picture of the credit union and its members. It doesn’t stop there, though, as Martin also volunteers to help on the credit union’s Business Loan Committee, Social Responsibility Committee, and ALCO Committee.
Martin at the podium accepting her award honor.
Jamo accoladed Martin in her nomination because “her willingness to learn and her ‘can do’ positive attitude are inspiring. She consistently goes above and beyond for the member. Her willingness to learn new processes, procedures, and even regulations have been demonstrated during her long tenure at the credit union.” Jamo refers to her as a “servant leader” because she is someone who leads by example, does not expect staff to do anything she herself would not do, and often takes on responsibilities at their smaller credit union that the COO of a larger credit union likely would not. Martin’s strong work ethic is exceptional, and her patience is impressive.
Staff at Katahdin FCU see ample support from Martin towards their own growth, as well. Jamo explained how “she is always willing to share her knowledge with staff, preparing them for their own successful credit union careers.”
The qualities shown constantly by Martin prove her care for others is simply who she is.
“Lisa is a strong advocate for the member as well as for the credit union,” shared Jamo. “With a vivacious personality, she is the credit union’s biggest cheerleader, always encouraging prospective and existing members to do more business with us. Under her leadership, loans have grown year over year. But it isn’t just the numbers that are important to her. She shows respect, empathy and compassion for every member, no matter what the situation is. If it isn’t in the best interest of the member or the credit union to grant a loan, she will try to assist in another way. She will help them budget their expenses, offer helpful financial suggestions, and/or find other resources to help. She lets every member know that they are important and valued.
As a member of the Social Responsibility Commitee, she works on most of the fundraising projects, especially those related to Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. She is a contributor to the raffles, dinners, bake sales, and the golf tournament. Over the years, she has spearheaded several fundraising ideas. She represents the credit union at various community events such as past Community Christmas parties, health fairs, school activities, the Trails End Festival, the 4th of July Parade, and Chamber events. She encourages her staff to participate, as well. Lisa is also a Board Member of the Northern Penobscot Chapter of Credit Unions and enjoys participating in Financial Fitness Fairs, sharing her financial knowledge with students.”
The value Martin adds to her credit union and her community is unmatched. Even on a personal level, Jamo explained how “you will not find a more devoted mother and grandmother,” and stated she is even very active with her church.
“Lisa has demonstrated tremendous loyalty and dedication over a span of almost forty years,” described Jamo. “It is difficult to sum up the contributions Lisa has made to the credit union, but one thing is for sure—you will not find an employee that gives any more of themselves to the credit union and its members than Lisa.”
We hope you will join us in celebrating Lisa for all she has given and continues to give!