RAPID CITY, S.D.–Jennifer Walz, who began her career as a part-time teller with Minuteman Credit Union, has now been named its new president and CEO—succeeding her mother in the position.
Walz’s mother, Mary Connick, has retired.
Walz, who previously served as VP-operations, has been with the credit union for 15 years, beginning as a sophomore in high school when she was first hired at Minuteman FCU as a part-time teller back in 2008, according to the Dakota Credit Union Association, moving into a full-time position in 2012. Soon after that, she was named senior member services representative. From there, she moved to financial services specialist, which included acting as a loan officer and collector. In 2017, she was promoted to VP of Operations, the association said.
“The relationship I have with our members is very gratifying – just the feeling of knowing I have helped someone is a very exciting part of my position. I especially enjoy helping members with their finances,” Walz told the Dakota Credit Union Association. “My mother helped teach me in all aspects of my life – she taught me how to work hard, be dedicated and have compassion for people. I carry this value in my personal life and my job at the credit union.”
‘Effective Role Model’
The association added that Walz has been an effective role model at Minuteman FCU, with a talent for teaching and supervising new member services reps in all aspects of their job, and by providing an example to other employees as a frequent volunteer in the community.
In addition, Walz was a previous Summit Crasher, has a Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist (BSACS) certification through CUNA, and has completed both lending school and a collections academy.
The $15.8-million Minuteman FCU has approximately 1,400 members.