Builder of dreams
Credit union chief lending officer takes a page from Walt Disney’s playbook.
It’s no secret to all who know her—Michelle Rosner loves Disney World.
When she’s not working as the chief lending officer at $257 million asset 1st Financial Federal Credit Union in Wentzville, Mo., you’ll find her on beloved rides and rubbing elbows with Mickey Mouse, alongside her husband and 16-year-old son.
Click to enlarge. Rosner (left) receives the 1st Financial FCU’s Excellence in Leadership Award from CEO Carol Minges.
“I admire his unyielding zest for his passion,” Rosner says. “He was so driven to build a place where families could have fun together, and it all started with a mouse.”
Rosner takes a page from Disney’s playbook in her own work. She refers to herself as a “dream builder.”
“Each day presents an opportunity to help someone’s dreams come true. Whether it’s a first car loan or a home equity loan to pay for college, each loan application has a story and a dream behind it,” Rosner says.
She believes even collections, a key responsibility in her job, is an opportunity to dream with people and find ways to make their lives better.
“No one wakes up thinking, ‘I’m not going to pay that bill today,’” Rosner says. “The fact is, life happens, and crummy things happen to good people. Fortunately, if they have a credit union loan, we are going to get their story and find out the best way to help them get back on track.”
During her 22 years in the credit union industry, Rosner has inspired colleagues through good deeds carried out at work and in her personal life.
She is a recipient of 1st Financial Federal’s Excellence in Leadership Award; has served on several boards, including the St. Louis Chapter of Credit Unions, the Missouri Credit Union Association, and the Children’s Miracle Network; and finds time to rescue Norwegian Elkhounds.
Rosner brings a little magic to the credit union every day, resulting in a motivated team.
“I strongly believe that it takes a village to be successful,” she says. “Whether it’s helping employees become future leaders or helping members achieve their financial dreams, I love seeing people succeed and be happy.”
