Member Spotlight: Ellen E. Yacovone

CUNA Councils
January 22, 2008 | COMMENTS

Ellen Yacovone is interim CEO at Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union in Arizona. She was born and raised in Ithaca, New York, where she began her credit union career at age 16 as a secretary to the executive vice president of Ithaca Savings and Loan during the summer.

While going to school to obtain a degree in criminal justice, Ellen continued to work in the banking world. After a serious skiing accident that resulted in 14 months in a cast and a bone graft, “I decided that police work would probably not be an option for me,” she comments. “So I focused on what I loved to do. I continued working for First Federal Savings of Rochester until I moved to Florida , where I signed on with Great Western Bank as a branch manager.”

After other stops in California, Ellen moved to Tucson, where she joined Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union as vice president of member services. She is also acting as interim CEO after their CEO resigned a few weeks ago. Ellen and her husband of nearly 30 years, Richard, have two children, three granddaughters, and one great granddaughter, all on the East Coast.

Biggest challenge

Like everyone else, deposit growth is a big challenge, as is maintaining an acceptable delinquency/loan loss ratio.

Best advice

Stay flexible, maintain a good network of contacts with in the industry, and thank God every day for the life He has given you.

Best part of my job

People! We have a terrific team at TOPCU, and our members are wonderful.

Hardest part of my job

Finding enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do.

Biggest job misconception

That it's no fun. It is great fun to help find solutions for employees or members and then watch the individuals thrive.

Hobbies and interests

Watercolor and other media, gardening, travel, remodeling our home.

Life goal not yet accomplished

A mule ride down the Grand Canyon, followed by a multi-day rafting trip.

Favorite quote

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

Music in your CD player

Kenny Chesney's “Poets and Pirates.”

If you could spend one day with anyone . . .

It would be Condoleeza Rice. She is an incredibly talented, interesting person with a perspective like no other on the world situation.

How would you explain the credit union difference?

People are the most important part of the equation. In the big bank world, you are working for the stockholders. As a member of the credit union, YOU are the owner and we work to fill your needs and make you happy.