A daughter of bankers, Suzanna C applied for a part-time banking job as a senior at Austin High School. With her natural affinity for numbers and will to make an impact, she worked in banking while earning a  degree from The University of Texas™, then made a career of it. She is now the Senior Manager of Business Banking at UFCU and is celebrating 50 years in banking.

“I worked for several large institutions managing operation areas and then moved into business lending where back then, all banking was relationship banking. I had immense curiosity about how businesses work and had the opportunity to learn from and serve clients. As a manager of lenders, I encourage the team to approach lending conversations not as, ‘What can I sell you?’ but, ‘How can I help you?’

“Our role in banking sometimes changes from providing funds to helping a business survive. It feels good when you can restructure debt and help business owners grow their business or make it through the storm. Chances for success increase if business owners have trusted professionals they can go to for advice. There is an underserved small business population, and it’s not just startups. Business owners need more than funding. They need expertise. UFCU can educate them and guide them to make the right decisions for growth.

“I was attracted to UFCU because of their reputation of being a loved institution. You don’t always hear of people loving banks! I love UFCU’s community focus. We prepare staff to be ready for the next Member who comes in with a banking need. My favorite aspects of my job have been watching my team grow and apply their experiences. We have helped so many businesses, including ones that have been in business for 40 years.

“As a woman in a traditionally male career, I see ways to increase employment equity. I believe in building diversity and inclusion — making sure everybody in the room is represented and seeking them out if they are not.”

UFCU and the greater Austin area have benefitted from Suzanna’s generosity and commitment to education and housing. Outside of work, she is active with Leadership Austin, E3 Alliance, Communities in Schools, Austin Area Research Organization, several AISD bond committees, Mueller Foundation, and home build-outs in Mexico and Austin. Ever loyal to her alma mater, Suzanna is a fan of UT women’s athletics and an active member of University Presbyterian Church near campus. We are fortunate to have her at UFCU.