When you work at an organization called Neighbors Federal Credit Union, it seems only natural that local community is top of mind.
And it’s Kacie Bizot’s priority as the community outreach coordinator at the $834 million asset credit union in Baton Rouge, La.
Click to enlarge. Kacie Bizot and other Neighbors FCU employees volunteer at Clays for a Cause, the credit union’s annual fundraiser.
Bizot manages fundraising for the Neighbors Capital Area Foundation and grant giving to the community—along with the scholarship program, The Neighbors Way Tuition Assistance Award. She also coordinates all employee volunteer opportunities.
Although new to the credit union industry (she started in December 2017), Bizot seems like a perfect fit.
“I have a great appreciation for the credit union industry’s commitment to give back to the communities it serves. The people here are incredible and kind-hearted, and I have the flexibility to do great work in the way that works best for me.”
Bizot’s desire to help others started in childhood.
“At an early age, my parents taught me the importance of giving back to others through community service,” Bizot says. “As a Baton Rouge native, my love for the city deepened over the years, and I felt a great desire to give back to my hometown.”
Recently, Bizot led the Clays for a Cause event, a charity sporting clay tournament benefiting the Neighbors Way Tuition Assistance Fund. It was the highest-grossing tournament to date.
‘I felt a great desire to give back to my hometown.’
In 2018, Neighbors awarded $15,000 in college scholarships to local graduating seniors. Thanks to the success of Clays for a Cause and the generous contributions from staff through the credit union’s Employee Payroll Donation Program, the credit union plans to award $30,000 in 2019.
With her “awesome team members,” Bizot is always in the thick of planning the next event, such as Neighbors Day.
“Each year on Columbus Day, Neighbors hosts its annual day of service, Neighbors Day. Instead of taking the day off, our employees go out into the community and volunteer with a number of nonprofits. This year, we will partner with 13 organizations and spend more than 900 hours giving back to the community in a single day," she says. “Neighbors has been a perfect fit for me because the company is just as devoted to the community as I am.”
Outside of work, Bizot volunteers with the Junior League of Baton Rouge and loves spending time with her husband, Robby, and their pup, Dudley.
Credit Union Magazine’s Spring 2023 issue features the 2023 Credit Union Heroes and examines CUNA-League advocacy priorities, board leadership, the impact of financial well-being efforts, fee-related compliance issues, predictions for the year ahead, and more.
