8 local credit union employees achieve financial counselor certification

Diamond Lakes Federal Credit Union has announced that eight staff members are now certified by the Credit Union National Association as Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors. The staff took part in an eight-module selfstudy program to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to assist and empower members to improve their financial well-being.

“It’s more important than ever to make good financial decisions. We’re incredibly proud that our employees worked so hard to add to their skills so they can better serve our communities,” said Tammy Passafiume, Diamond Lakes’ president/CEO.

The following staff members are now Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors: Lori Loveday, Jacob Freeman, Amber Davis, Vickie Gilliam, Brooke Gilmore, Nichole Meredith, Debbie Wheatley-Goodwin and Lorraine Davis.

The counseling courses included counseling and communication, controlling expenses, money attitudes, retirement and personal financial preparedness. At the conclusion of the course, the staff completed two comprehensive exams to complete their certification.

Diamond Lakes Federal Credit Union, which is headquartered in Malvern and has two full-service branches in Hot Springs, has been focused on people, not profit, since its charter on May 12, 1960. The staff at Diamond Lakes have a passion for their work and are dedicated to providing superior financial services to the members/owners. The purpose of the credit union was ordained in 1960 when the seven employees of the Reynolds Reduction Plant contributed $5 each to start the credit union with $35. They knew that by pooling their resources to build savings and assets, they could save and borrow from each other to improve their lives and the lives of their families.