What does your role as Business Development Director look like day to day?
A day in my life as a Business Development Director can take many forms. I may start my day in jeans and a polo at an outdoor event and end the day at a gala in a tuxedo! The great thing is, no matter the event or the attire, it is always in support of an organization doing great things and meaningful work in the community. Knowing that I have a part in supporting them through APG Federal Credit Union (APGFCU) is very fulfilling.
I also partner with area businesses to introduce them to our APGFCU@Work program. This is a free service we offer to businesses to introduce the benefits of credit union membership and financial education to their employees. These services range from account openings to seminars like “how to reduce your spending.” It is a great program that can help businesses retain their talent by helping them budget and plan for the future.
Can you walk us through your background and the experiences that shaped your approach to leadership?
I have been in the financial services industry for over 25 years. Most of my career has been spent leading a team to exceed goals and expectations. The time that I have spent assisting clients on their path to financial well-being has shaped my leadership approach in the belief that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone has different backgrounds and experiences, and you have to tap into those to meet them at a place where they are willing to be coached.
Assisting clients and team members on their journey side by side, rather than from a higher position, [helps them] become more open to coaching and growth. You have to be in it with them, not dictate to them.
How long have you been part of the Harford County community, and what has kept you rooted here?
My family relocated here from upstate New York 12 years ago. Raising our children here and getting them involved in extracurricular activities such as soccer, basketball, dance, and many other activities has helped us to become rooted here by meeting new people in the community. Being able to explore the area on Sunday drives has also helped us discover great places and history throughout Harford County.
In your current role, how are you working to create meaningful or lasting impact, both within your organization and beyond it?
Getting involved with area nonprofits through APGFCU and understanding their mission has been a great experience. Through that work, I have been able to involve myself, my family, and my colleagues in activities to support these nonprofits and their endeavors.
I always say, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” My role at APGFCU has enabled me to be in the know and spread that awareness to others. This directly impacts the nonprofits by giving them another voice in the community to shine a light on the positive work that they are doing.
What does “positive change” look like to you, and how do you put that into action in your work?
Positive change is getting involved. I have been increasingly active in the community because of my work at APGFCU. I have also found so many wonderful nonprofits and businesses that I have been able to personally work with and support outside of my work.
Are there any community initiatives, partnerships, or causes you’re especially passionate about right now?
I am currently involved with the Harford Leadership Academy (HLA). HLA is a program co-sponsored by Harford Community College and the Harford County Chamber of Commerce. It is designed to promote the development of emerging and existing leaders and to create a committed, involved, and diverse network within Harford County.
I have learned so much about our local government, education system, and resources available in the community through this program. It has allowed me to be more informative to my friends and colleagues about the resources and opportunities, which may seem to be invisible, but are in plain sight.
How do you balance professional growth with personal fulfillment, and what keeps you motivated?
Professionally, my work allows for growth by exercising a lot of different skill sets, including event planning, budgeting, speaking engagements, etc. There is always a lot going on, often at the same time. The part that keeps me personally motivated is the impact my work has on the community. There are many great people who are behind the area nonprofits that I have had the pleasure of meeting through my activities. Knowing that my work is an integral part of them being able to provide community services is very fulfilling.
What lessons have stayed with you throughout your career that still guide your decisions today?
You can always do a little more. We have a lot of competing priorities these days, both professionally and personally. But whatever the situation, you can always do a little more. That extra effort is usually the thing that makes the greatest impact. If everyone just did a little bit more, no matter the task, think about the impact that would have across the board.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time in Harford County?
Spending time outdoors with my family is my happy place. Our children are getting older now, so whether it’s in the backyard, at a game, or on an early morning back road drive to a car show, family time is the best!