Tricia McMullen, executive assistant with the Tennessee and Mississippi Credit Union Association, announced she plans to retire at the end of the month after working in the credit union industry for 37 years. In honor of her retirement, here’s a Q&A about her career milestones.
How long did you work within the banking/credit union industry? Did you work at a credit union before joining the Mississippi Credit Union Association?
I’ve been working in the credit union industry for 37 years. I started at MS Department of Transportation FCU in 1988. We moved to Nashville, TN in 1993 and I worked for a credit union that merged with Old Hickory Credit Union during the 2 years we were there. Once moving back to Mississippi I worked for MS Department of Transportation FCU again until I went to work at MSCUA in 1999. I’ve been at MSCUA for over 26 years.
Describe your first role at the Mississippi Credit Union Association.
My first role was as Peggy’s assistant. I helped with accounts payable/accounts receivable, handled the outgoing mail that was sent to our credit unions weekly. I also handled our lending library and assisted Tom McWilliams (our ed director) with event registrations.
What propelled you to stay at the Mississippi Credit Union Association?
Working at MSCUA was like working with family. Everyone there has been there so long, we have seen each other go through life changes, marriages, our children growing up and now retirement.
What did you enjoy most about working at the Mississippi Credit Union Association?
I loved the relationships I’ve built over the years. Seeing the same faces every year at education events and our Annual Meeting. You know the people’s names and their histories.
Looking back on your career, what has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
I don’t think it’s an accomplishment, but my dad opened my first credit union account at MS Dept. of Transportation FCU when I was 8 years old, (they still had my original membership card on file when I went to work there in 1988!). My dad told me when I was young, that I needed to keep my credit union account open, it would be a much better place to save and borrow money than at a bank. He said the relationship is different and that the credit union employees care about their members. You aren’t just an account number. I’m proud of myself for sharing his beliefs in the credit union movement and proud that during my career I got to share my love for credit unions with people.
What advice do you have for young professionals?
Find a workplace that you love and stick with it. It is so rewarding to grow with your company and coworkers. Be open to new opportunities, you never know what you will find that you will love doing.
What’s next for you? What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
Spending more time with my husband of 40 years and enjoying our grandsons. Spending time growing our flea market and continuing to travel hunting for those wonderful vintage items we love.
