The Rising Stars Breakfast, held before the main GNECUS event, honored 19 high achievers in the three-state credit union universe. Olympic Gold Medalist Tim Daggett gave a speech noting not only the demands of Olympic competition, but also, with wry humor, an athlete’s volatile emotional currency with the sports audience. He’s down! We knew he’d never make it. He’s up! We always knew he could do it. The speech drew knowing laughs from the audience. Name: Sandra C. Cano
Name: Kristine Chiasson
Age: 28
Age: 39
Title: Business and
Title: Loan Officer
Credit Union: St. Mary’s Credit Union
Community Development Officer
Credit Union: Navigant Credit Union
Credit Union Location: Marlborough, MA
Credit Union Location: Rhode Island
Town of Residence: Milford, MA
Town of Residence: Pawtucket, RI Career Highlights: I joined Navigant in July 2011 as its business and community development officer, an outreach position to bank to the underserved. Our first event in October partnered with the RI Young Professionals. I also created a series of business owners’ meetings for the community of Central Falls. Community Involvement: I serve on the following boards: YWCA RI; Latino Public Radio, where I also host a radio show; Juvenile Hearing Board of the city of Pawtucket; and ECAS Theater and the Central Falls Prevention Coalition. Biggest Success: With only nine months at the credit union, I have been able to establish valuable resource partnerships with different organizations across Rhode Island. The “Marketing the Underserved” initiative was implemented successfully because of dedication, team work, and determination. Dream Job: A leadership position in an organization with a good mission – the CEO of a credit union, for example. Working at the United Nations, UNICEF or a socially-driven organization dedicated to the advancement of youth would also be on the dream list. If you could compete in the Olympics in any sport, what would it be and why? Swimming, a sport requiring great discipline and determination. I am very competitive. Interesting fact: I grew up swimming and competing in my own country of Colombia. It releases my stress!
18 | centerpoint | spring.2012
Career Highlights: I have worked for St. Mary’s Credit Union since high school. With over 23 years of experience, I’ve held various positions in the credit union. I’m proudest of becoming a loan officer and co-administrator for our loan origination system. Community Involvement: I am involved with the local food pantry and other various community service events that our credit union is involved in or sponsors. Biggest Success: I was part of a team that implemented a complex new loan origination system in 2010. My work on this project got me named coadministrator. During its implementation, I developed and wrote a detailed manual covering all functions for system users. Dream Job: An international travel consultant and reviewer. If you could compete in the Olympics in any sport, what would it be and why? The marathon. It best demonstrates that life is not a sprint but a long journey, and those who persevere and work hard end up winning by completing the race.