I have big news.
After 10 years of self-employment as a credit union culture consultant and only 3 weeks shy of the 30th anniversary of my first day in credit unions, I am excited to announce that I have accepted the position of Vice President, Association Services for the Credit Union Association of New Mexico!
This has been a dream of mine for years – to live and work in the Land of Enchantment.
I first visited Santa Fe, New Mexico 20 years ago and I fell in love. Of all the places I’ve lived, visited, frequented in the US – this is the only place I feel homesick when I leave.
I knew I had to live there – eventually.
Two weeks ago I heard that Brent Dixon was speaking at their Annual Meeting. As I was cruising around their beautiful newly designed website, I saw that the VP Association Services position was open.
As I was reading the job description, I knew, this was the job for me. Working for the trade association in the State I love with credit unions during the toughest economic times in years. So I threw my hat in the ring.
And then the day I interviewed it was announced that Bill Cheney was the be the new CUNA CEO. I’m so excited for the future of credit unions. It was meant to be.
The best part about this move – I technically don’t have to move. Mark and I bought a second home in Cochiti Lake, NM 2 1/2 years ago. Mark loves his job at LaCamas Community Credit Union and my family is in Portland so of course we’re keeping our house there. We have the best of both worlds now and we’re no strangers to the long distance commuter relationship.
The day before my interview I was walking around The Plaza in Santa Fe. I came upon a guy selling desert sage he picked on the banks of the Rio Grande. He asked where I was visiting from (I must’ve looked like a tourist). I told him quite proudly that I had a home in Cochiti Lake, and okay, I am visiting from our other home in Portland, Oregon. He smiled, put his hand on his heart and said “Oh, you are twice blessed.”
Yes I am.
19 comments
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May 18, 2010 at 11:34 am
Christopher Stevenson
Congratulations, Denise. You will be a wonderful addition to the Credit Union Association of New Mexico. They’re lucky to have you!
May 18, 2010 at 11:39 am
Matt Davis
I can’t tell you how excited I am about this news! The credit unions of New Mexico are so lucky to have you, and it sounds like you’re going to be truly happy with a permanent NM address.
I always expect big things out of you, and you always deliver. Can’t wait to see this new role play out.
Congratulations, Denise!!
May 18, 2010 at 11:43 am
Casey Wheeler
Congratulations!
May 18, 2010 at 11:45 am
Vicki Owens
That is awesome, Denise!!! I’m so excited for you. NM is lucky to have you. I hope they know that. 😉
May 18, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Julie Ferguson
WOW! Congratulations!!! I have really appreciated all of your help as I’ve started up my own consulting business. Hugs!
May 18, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Charlie
Congratulations, my dear. Go shake it up.
May 18, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Trey Reeme
It’s a great day for NM’s credit unions!
May 18, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Randy Schultz
Congrats Denise. Lived in New Mexico up above SantaFe for a while and absolutely loved it. Try to get down there at least once a year for something now and is always tempting to move back. Have fun!
May 18, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Carla Day
Congrats, Denise! Have the NM credit unions been warned of your arrival, yet? Very exciting for you and NM CUs! They are lucky to have you!
May 18, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Erin Sadowski
Congratulations I am so happy for you!!
May 19, 2010 at 4:46 am
Matt Davis
New Mexico credit unions be warned… You are about to rock even harder!
I’m so happy for you, Denise! I know you’re a Pacific Northwesterner, but you have always seemed to get refreshed when you visit New Mexico. Can’t wait to see the impact you have on a very progressive bunch of credit unions.
May 19, 2010 at 6:07 am
Tom McWilliams
Congratulations my dear. The New Mexico CU League made a great choice. Can’r wait to see how you are going to bring your brand the credit unions in New Mexico. Enjoy the ride, celebrate your success and keep looking up!
May 19, 2010 at 6:53 am
Randy Smith
Congratulations Denise! Sounds like a perfect fit.
May 19, 2010 at 7:10 am
rebecca secor
Congratulations Denise!
The credit unions of New Mexico are very blessed to have you.
May 19, 2010 at 8:01 am
Glenn Coble
Fantastic!!!! but does this take you off the rubber chicken circuit? We need you out there preaching the “good news”.
May 19, 2010 at 8:04 am
Roger Michaelis
Way to go Denise. Let the spirits be with you on this new venture.
May 19, 2010 at 9:01 am
Terri Mickelsen
Congratulations Denise! Looking forward to working with you. So we on for lunch at El Pinto?
May 20, 2010 at 6:24 am
Susan Epperson
Holy dogs!! I was lucky enough to visit Santa Fe once. There’s some magical JuJu there. Really good vibes. Good energy attracts more good energy.
They are so lucky to have you!!
CONGRATULATIONS!! And, now that we’ve offiically folded you back into our side of the cu world, you can continue spreading the gospel internally…we still need to hear it.
Can I get an amen?
May 22, 2010 at 3:07 pm
shari storm
Wow! Now I really want to come visit! Congrats.