CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Jobs
  • Contact

News

Home » An open-door policy
Human Resources CU Rock Stars 2019

An open-door policy

HR leader Ruth Montana focuses on relationships.

August 21, 2019
No Comments
Montana_Ruth_1200x630

Imagine sitting on a porch on a comfortable afternoon, with family, friends, and neighbors all around you.

The menu includes homemade fettuccine alfredo and refreshing beverages. The discussion is lively, the atmosphere welcoming.

This pleasant experience repeats itself most weekends at the home of Ruth Montana, director of human resources (HR), at $2.9 billion asset Keesler Federal Credit Union, Biloxi, Miss.

“I love cooking and entertaining,” she says. “I enjoy spending time with family. I truly value family.”

This welcoming spirit carries over naturally to Montana’s HR role at the credit union.

“Keesler feels like family,” she says, adding that she’s appreciated credit unions since she joined one at the age of 21. “I knew, right off the bat, that credit unions were special. They’re easy, very family-oriented, and they have very personal connections with members.”

Montana’s six-year tenure as Keesler Federal’s HR director has been marked by many accomplishments, including spearheading the credit union’s KEEP (Keesler Employee Education Program) initiative.

The program launched in 2018 when one of the credit union’s strategic objectives was to create a culture where trust, teamwork, accountability, and service to the member is a way of life. To achieve this objective, leadership began focusing on team member development.

Meet the 2019 Credit Union Rock Stars

For Montana’s part, she researched resources within the Biloxi community. And in conjunction with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s workforce development team, she learned about a Department of Labor-registered bank branch manager apprenticeship program, which consisted of a combination of classes and on-the-job learning.

KEEP is the first financial industry-registered and the only online-registered apprenticeship program in the state of Mississippi. It provides a career path for managers, assistant managers, and financial service representatives to become branch managers.

Participants earn a nationally recognized credential, academic credit toward post-secondary credits and degree, and certified job proficiency.

Keesler Federal pays the entire cost of program coursework, with assistance from the State of Mississippi in the form of workforce enhancement training dollars.

Montana is also a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)-certified training and development specialist and an active volunteer locally. She is past president of the local SHRM chapter, Gulf Coast Human Resource Association, and continues to volunteer as a certification director.

“I care about people. I truly do,” she says. “Working in HR lets me connect with so many people on so many different levels, while providing coaching, guidance, and support when they need it.

"I have an open-door policy, and most people are comfortable approaching me because they know I’ll listen and be fair. Relationships are a priority for me.”

Back Rock Stars Next

 

KEYWORDS career development Credit Union Rock Stars training

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine: Rock Stars 2023

Rock Stars 2023

Credit Union Rock Stars are outstanding credit union professionals and directors from a wide range of disciplines who inspire and innovate to advance the missions of their credit unions. The 25 members of the 11th class of Rock Stars were selected for their exceptional creativity, innovation, and passion.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • Meet the 2023 Credit Union Rock Stars

  • Senate Banking Committee passes cannabis banking bill

  • Senate committee to mark up SAFER Banking Act this week

Polls

Do you plan to use the FedNow instant payment service?

View Results
More

Champion for the Credit Union Movement

Credit Union National Association is the most influential financial services trade association and the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America's credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources for

  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Providers

Our Affiliates

  • American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
  • Credit Union Awareness
  • Credit Union House
  • CUNA Strategic Services
  • National Credit Union Foundation
GET CUNA UPDATES
© 2023 Credit Union National Association | ADA Compliance Notice & Legal
Email Us