Ozarks Profile: Kathie Peterie

Tell us about your company.

Metro Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution with a history that dates back to 1929 as Frisco Credit Union. Today, our credit union has 8,700 members many of which became eligible through their employer. Eligibility is based on those who work or live in ZIP codes 65806 and 65807. Those employed by select employee groups such as the city of Springfield, Greene County, Burlington Northern-Sante Fe and the state of Missouri are also eligible to join.

What is your job?

As president, I manage the day-to-day operations of the credit union. It is my responsibility to see that it runs within the rules of the regulatory agency, the by-laws and the policies set forth by the board of directors. I also actively participate in the community as a representative of the credit union.

What prepared you for your career?

I began as a teller in 1973 and worked my way into management through hands-on experience and continued education in the credit union industry. My first managerial position was with a local credit union in 1978. I became president of Metro Credit Union in 1982.

What's the best part of your work?

Serving people. I take great satisfaction in our efforts to provide our members with the best financial products and services. Credit unions really care about people and are concerned with their financial well-being.

What are some of the major issues

for credit unions?

Consumers deserve the option of a credit union when choosing a financial institution. However, efforts to expand memberships are constantly challenged and delayed by financial institution comp etitors. When more people have the option of joining and using a credit union, the decision is where it belongs in the consumer's hands.

Keeping up with the rapid changes in technology is also a challenge, especially for smaller credit unions. Because we are not-for-profit, we can only raise capital for technology enhancements through retained earnings. We work cooperatively within the credit union industry to share resources in offering more options for electronic delivery of financial services to our members.

How has your business been

affected by the economy?

The stock market volatility has brought in a large influx of deposits. Due to increased deposits, more of our efforts are concentrated on asset liability management.

Tell us about your family.

I am married to Jerry and we have a son, Gaven, who will soon be celebrating his first birthday. I also have two children from a previous marriage, Tracy and Josh.

What are your favorite

spare-time pursuits?

When not working, I spend as much time as I can with my family and at church, and when I get an opportunity, I play golf.

If you could choose another career,

what would it be?

I have never had a desire to work in any other profession. However, I would love to have time to do more volunteer work, especially working with children.