In her 25 years with Capital Credit Union in Green Bay, Wis., Mary Kamps has helped the credit union grow to $1.4 billion from $70 million in assets. She played a key role in serving on the merger team when Capital Credit Union and Pioneer Credit Union merged in 2014 to create the billion-dollar institution.

At the same time, both were undergoing a core conversion.

Kamps’ job was to keep the front-line staff up to date, trained, and prepared to serve members during the transition.

“It was about developing a training plan for what used to be 175 employees and was now 360,” Kamps recalls. “At the same time, we had to determine how the new core fit our business needs, along with the policies and procedures of two different credit unions. We came up with a plan, and put the pieces in place through a train-the-trainer program.”

Most recently she took part in developing an internal leadership academy that includes a partnership with a local university. The program is designed to meet the leadership needs of a thriving institution in today’s competitive climate of change, Kamps says.

“With the merger, we need people prepared to move into leadership positions,” she explains. “But at the same time, they need to feel engaged as employees, and this program takes them to the next level, aligning well with our culture. In turn, we’re very excited to see half of the first-year attendees promoted to supervisory positions.”

Kamps has even been known to spend a spring night on the credit union’s roof to raise awareness for the homeless population in the Green Bay and Fox Valley areas. She says it’s her dedication to Capital’s mission and vision that keeps her inspired.

“Our tag line is ‘Doing the right thing,’ which includes always being advocates for the members, and being passionate about our purpose. We have an obligation to be stewards of our community, while balancing life and work,” she says. “Last but certainly not least, is have some fun while you’re doing it. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”