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Tina Jamo and League President Elise Baldacci.
Credit union CEOs lead their organizations with heart, determination, and compassion. The positive impact they make on the lives of both their members and employees extends far beyond their branches. These leaders not only strengthen Maine’s credit union movement, but also contribute to the broader efforts of the national credit union community.
Each year, the League recognizes one exceptional credit union leader with the James M. Gratto Award, which honors an outstanding credit union CEO. We are pleased to announce that this year’s recipient is Tina Jamo, President/CEO of Katahdin FCU.
Jamo has spent her career working in Maine’s credit union movement. With 40 years of dedicated service, she has held a variety of positions, including work on the teller line. She attended college full-time while working and raising a family, earning her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In 2013, Jamo was awarded the Jeannette G. Morin Award, recognizing her as the Maine credit union employee of the year. One year later, she accepted the position of President/CEO at Katahdin FCU.
In her nomination for this award, her colleagues wrote, “Tina’s outstanding leadership, extraordinary work ethic, dedication, loyalty to the credit union movement—to members, and employees—is nothing but exemplary. Anyone who knows Tina knows of her dedication. She is hands-on and always works alongside her employees and the community. Tina would not ask something of her employees that she isn’t willing to do herself, making her an outstanding leader. Under her leadership, the credit union has grown to be over $100 million in assets. As CEO, she regularly is the person who opens the doors in the morning and is the last to go home. Tina came from a hard-working family with strong work ethics and values. She carries those values in her personal and work environment.”
Jamo is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and talent to support many local initiatives. She is at the forefront of a multitude of events—whether it’s working with the area schools on financial fitness and job fairs, Christmas in Katahdin, the Millinocket Fourth of July Parade, Trails End festivals, restoration clean-up at Jerry Pond, and more. She is President of the Katahdin Area Rotary Club, a member of the Katahdin Area Transition team, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Millinocket Regional Hospital.
Another colleague shared, “Tina projects a warm, cheerful attitude to all her staff and our members. I have seen her resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. Tina loves people, works hard, and always tries to lift spirits of those around her. I believe these characteristics represent why Tina is most deserving of this award.”
On behalf of the League and all Maine credit unions, congratulations, Tina, on this recognition!
Tina Jamo with her husband and colleagues.