Columbia Credit Union recently announced the hiring of Gayle Smith as vice president/branch manager of the Battle Ground branch.
Smith will manage daily operations and have responsibility for the branch’s overall success with production, sales, service and market growth. She will oversee staff professional development; ensure branch compliance with regulations and policies; and assist in advancing the strategic direction of the credit union.
“With 27 years of credit union experience, Gayle is the ideal candidate to lead our Battle Ground branch,” said Columbia Credit Union Vice President Branch services Paul Stednitz. “Her knowledge and expertise will be instrumental in helping us grow our presence in North Clark County.”
Prior to coming to Columbia CU, Smith most recently served as a local branch manager for a regional credit union. Her other credit union roles include business development officer, operation manager and automated services specialist.
Active in the community, Smith is involved with the Battle Ground Chamber. She is a Leadership Clark County‐2008 graduate and has supported events with Junior Achievement of Oregon and Southwest Washington, Concerts For A Cause and the East Vancouver Business Association.
“Helping members reach their financial goals is very rewarding,” said Smith. “I look forward to helping even more Battle Ground families and businesses discover the benefits of Columbia Credit Union membership.”
Established in 1952, Columbia Credit Union is the largest deposit holder among Clark County‐based financial institutions serving 81,731 members with local consumer, business, mortgage and wealth management services. Columbia CU holds $986 million in assets and was voted Clark County’s BEST 2009 – 2014 in The Columbian’s readership poll.
Columbia CU ranks locally as the No. 1 and No. 3 provider of auto loans and mortgages respectively. In 2014, Columbia CU was recognized for outstanding financial performance with a Crystal Performance Award by Raddon Financial Group, and was named the 18th Healthiest Credit Union in the U.S. by DepositAccounts.com.
Columbia CU was also recognized with a Top Workplace award by The Oregonian; a Corporate Philanthropy award for corporate community support by the Portland Business Journal; and a Community Leader award by the Vancouver Chamber. As a certified Clark County Green Business, Columbia CU upholds sustainable business practices including construction under strict U.S. Green Building Council LEED standards. Individuals and businesses in Washington State are eligible for membership.
