Ascentra Credit Union

Last night was another fantastic meeting of the Great River Chapter of Credit Unions, featuring an appearance by Iowa Division of Credit Unions Superintendent Katie Averill. We were so lucky to host her and hear about the standing of Iowa credit unions, as well as the recent credit union update bill which goes into effect on Monday. Thank you to Katie and all the credit unions who were able to attend! DuTrac Community Credit Union The Family Credit Union 1ST GATEWAY CREDIT UNION R.I.A. Federal Credit Union

Ascentra is thrilled to announce our partnership with Humility Homes & Services, Inc! Ascentra and Ascentra Foundation have committed $60,000 towards their incredible work, ensuring support for those experiencing homelessness. Together, we're making strides towards making an even more positive impact in our community. Join us in spreading hope and providing shelter for those in need. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dTwSqheg

Ascentra is proud to announce that we have been named a Best-in-Class Employer for 2023 by Gallagher, a world-renowned brokerage, risk management and consulting firm. Ascentra received this award for our commitment to staff wellbeing and our dedication to motivating and engaging employees. We are very grateful for this recognition and will continue to provide an environment where staff can learn, grow and thrive. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gwEp_7ex

Several staff members from Ascentra attended last night's Great River Chapter of Credit Union's meeting, which included a presentation about the Dark Web and Cyber Crime by RSM. This was a great opportunity to learn more about cybersecurity, as well as network with our friends from other local credit unions! DuTrac Community Credit Union The Family Credit Union 1ST GATEWAY CREDIT UNION

Ascentra's recent $50,000 donation to Trinity Health Foundation will support their Career Pathways Pilot Program, an initiative which works with CMA students to succeed in their career paths. We are excited to support an organization that is committed to the health of our community and preparing for the future healthcare needs of our area. Learn more about the donation and program: https://lnkd.in/gBFjucw6

This Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women on our Executive Team! Let’s see what President & CEO Linda Andry has to say. In her words, “Women’s History month is a time to reflect and celebrate the perseverance and contributions that many incredible women, past and present, have made to improve the lives of others in our communities.” Linda started her time in the financial industry right after high school, joining a local bank as a teller. Working full-time during the day, she attended college in the evening and earned her degree in Accounting. Her experience in auditing and accounting from the bank came in handy when she changed industries to take an accounting role at an insurance company, where she realized she belonged back in financial services. A friend from her time at the local bank, Ascentra’s former CEO Dale Owen, encouraged her to join the Ascentra team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). After 15 years as CFO, Linda became Ascentra’s first female CEO in 2021, where she is grateful to lead an organization which cares so much for its members, staff and community. Linda shared her thoughts for young women interested in pursuing the world of finance: “Find a purpose in what you do and serve others. The world of finance may seem very transactional, but it is very personal. Always make sure you have the best interest of others as a priority. Helping others achieve their financial goals is what the world of finance is all about, especially when you work for a credit union where people helping people is core to our mission!” Thank you, Linda! Ascentra is grateful for your guidance and leadership.

Ascentra is excited to welcome Christian Marcussen to the executive team as our new Chief Technology & Innovation Officer. Drawing from a wealth of experience in the financial industry, his knowledge and leadership will help Ascentra continue to be the best financial partner in the communities we serve. Read more about Christian: https://lnkd.in/g28ZGpc5

This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting women on our Executive Team! Let’s see what SVP, Chief Marketing Officer, Jennifer Naeve, has to say. In her words, “Women’s History Month is a time dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the amazing women who have made a difference in our lives and communities both past and present.” Jennifer makes a difference at Ascentra every day. She began her time here in 2012 as Vice President of Marketing with many years of marketing experience across industries and a fresh perspective on the world of finance. Very quickly, she realized how special credit unions are and how deeply her own personal values aligned with the People Helping People credit union philosophy. After completing a three-year Credit Union Certified Marketing Executive program, Jennifer was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer, where she continues to celebrate credit unions and the work that Ascentra does in its community. She also takes any chance she can to be a mentor for those around her, in honor of her own mentors who helped her find success as SVP and CMO at Ascentra. Jennifer shared her thoughts for young women interested in growing within the financial industry: “In general, my advice would be to first love what you do and make sure what you are doing aligns with your personal values. Once you love what you do, then work hard and seek to be a curious learner. When you have the chance to be a mentor to someone else, do it. You never know the impact you will make.” Thank you, Jennifer! Ascentra is grateful for your guidance and leadership.

A $50,000 donation by Ascentra to River Bend Food Bank will go toward closing a funding gap that the food bank is facing due to increased community need and higher food prices. As food insecurity continues to grow, Ascentra is proud to support an organization that is actively fighting the fight against hunger. Read more:

This Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women on our Executive Team! Let’s see what Chief Financial Officer, Beth Grabin, has to say. In her words, “Women’s History month is a time to celebrate all of the amazing women of the past and present that have made a difference in our lives and communities.” We think Beth is pretty amazing! She started her journey at Ascentra as a child, coming into the branches with her parents. A high school internship let her explore the various departments of a bank, and she realized how much she enjoyed accounting. After graduating with a degree in accounting, she worked in public accounting then at local financial institutions before finding her way to Ascentra as the Chief Financial Officer! This full-circle moment was an inspiring way for Beth to step into the credit union People Helping People philosophy and it couldn’t have been a better fit. Beth shared some advice for young women interested in finance: “My best advice is to always be curious and willing to learn. Find a person that believes in you and will be your advocate, give you advice and be a listening ear when you need it. These people will help you develop the confidence needed to reach whatever goals are important to you.” Thank you, Beth! Ascentra is grateful for your guidance and leadership. #WomensHistoryMonth #IWD #IWD24