Press Release

Job Promotions at Yakima Valley Credit Union

Yakima, Washington (June 12, 2008) – Yakima Valley Credit Union (YVCU) recently appointed Karen Allan as Director of Branch Operations, Scot McElrea as 5th Avenue Branch Manager and Cori Hammermeister as Westside Branch Manager.

Karen Allan has assisted members of the Credit Union for 23 years in a variety of positions. Allan was appointed the 5th Avenue Branch Manager in 1998 and was promoted to Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager in January 2007. Prior to Branch Manager she worked in several capacities including Member Services Manager, Card Services Manager, Mortgage Loan Officer, Marketing Representative and a teller. Allan has a Bachelors degree from Eastern Washington University . “As the Director of Branch Operations my goal is to assist staff in providing our members with exceptional service,” Allan said.

Scot McElrea has served credit union members for 20 years.  His experience includes a teller, loan processor, mortgage loan processor, Downtown Branch Manager and most currently the Westside Branch Manager. Scot has been a Branch Manager for the Credit Union for nearly 17 years. McElrea has been noted by our Chief Lending Officer as an excellent lender, producing clean loan files and making good underwriting decisions. He gradated from West Valley High School , attended YVCC where he earned an associates in Management/Marketing.   "I am very excited about coming back to the 5th Avenue Branch after many years as the Westside Branch Manager.  I hope to follow in the footsteps of my predecessor Karen Allan and lead our staff in providing exceptional member service.” says McElrea.

Cori Hammermeister has been promoted to Westside Branch Manager. Hammermeister has been with the Credit Union for 8 ½ years with the last 5 years as the Assistant Branch Manager.  She started as a part-time teller and moved right into a full-time teller. Hammermeister said “I look forward to my new position as the branch manager and all of the new challenges it may bring.  I will continue to provide the best member service possible at my branch.”

The Credit Union’s top priority is making sure that the member has the same service experience, no matter who they call or what branch they go in to.

Growth will continue to be a priority for Yakima Valley Credit Union. This fall the 5th Avenue Branch will be remodeled to enhance our ability to service members. The branch will remain open and fully functional. We are committed to our members and are dedicated to providing the best service possible.

About Yakima Valley Credit Union

Yakima Valley Credit Union was formed in 1939 as the Fireman’s Credit Union and has grown to over $240 million in assets. The credit union has continued to expand its reach into the community, with a state charter that permits the opportunity to serve anyone who lives, works, worships, or goes to school in the state of Washington. Yakima Valley Credit Union serves its more than 29,600 members with six convenient branch locations. The credit union offers a full line of products and services to meet members’ needs.