LAUREL, Md.—For the second year in a row, Tower Federal Credit Union has been certified as a “great workplace” by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work (GPTW). Tower earned the credential based on extensive ratings provided by its employees in anonymous surveys. The organization once again credits its mission-driven, people-oriented culture as the reason for the positive survey outcome.
“Tower has built and continues to foster a strong culture of appreciation and respect, resulting in an environment of innovation, teamwork, comradery and success, says Richard Stafford, Tower’s president and CEO. “Whether you are a part-time teller or a member of Tower’s Senior Management team, you are a part of the Tower family. We are united by the same mission: to provide service excellence daily to our members.”
At right, Rhonda Pierce-Brooks, VP-HR, and Richard Stafford, president and CEO.
This culture is evidenced by long-tenured employees such as Renee Daley, manager of digital marketing, who has been with Tower for 20 years. Daley was a Tower member first before starting her career with the credit union in March 2000.
“I remember being excited to come to work for an organization that shared my same values of financial wellness and community spirit,” she recalled. “Having worked at Tower for almost two decades, I appreciate that Tower cares about the employee’s work-life balance,” Daley says. “I’ve taken advantage of an alternative work schedule for almost eight years. I also like that I can give back to the community through the TowerCares Foundation and, more recently, the Tower Gives Back program that provides paid time off for employees to participate in workday volunteer opportunities.”
On the GPTW surveys, employees cited a caring, transparent management team, excellent benefits, flexible schedules and opportunities for advancement amongst the reasons why Tower is a great place to work.
Krissie Thornton, branch manager specialist, is celebrating 21 years with Tower in June and a good example of the advancement opportunities available, the credit unions aid. She started out as a teller, then advanced over the years to senior teller, teller supervisor, member service representative, assistant branch manager and branch manager before her most recent promotion.
“Tower genuinely cares about their employees,” she said. “During my long tenure at Tower, I’ve had a lot of opportunities for growth. This is partly due to the support of my peers and management, who have provided me the tools to be successful.”
Thornton also cites Tower’s family-oriented culture as one of the best benefits of working for the company.
“Tower encourages [employees] to have a healthy balance between work and home through their leave benefits and flexibility,” she said. “We are able to take part in many programs to improve our health and well-being, in addition to volunteering to help support our community.”