Local Credit Union gets Focused

May 2007

Lisa Kersten of Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union, in Klamath Falls, Oregon was the mentor for Justin Thorpe, a Mazama High School senior. Mr. Thorpe chose a teen focus group as his senior project. Through Mrs. Kersten, Justin learned the difference between credit unions and banks and about the products and services credit unions offer.

Justin formed a teen focus group to see how the credit union could improve its youth services. After analyzing the results, Mr. Thorpe presented his findings to the Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union Board of Directors.

When asked how he came about choosing his senior project, Justin responded that it was a wonderful way for a young adult to see the careers available in the credit union industry and learn about the philosophy of people helping people.

Mrs. Kersten has been with Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union for over 20 years. She started as a teller and worked her way up to vault teller, on to payroll clerk and then to Payroll/Benefits Administrator. When asked what she likes best about the credit union, Lisa responds that it's the family environment and caring of the organization for its membership that makes her proud to be a team-member.