"Empathetic, Strategic, Driven"
President/CEO, UFirst Federal Credit Union Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY Age: 40 Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Management Minor in Business Analysis, SUNY Plattsburgh Associates Degree in Business Administration, Clinton Community College
A Middle School project that encouraged students to identify interesting jobs, led Kasey Kirk to a career she is passionate about. After college she joined a small credit union that served Pfizer employers in Rouses Point. When Pfizer closed, its customer base was absorbed by UFirst and Kasey moved to its main branch in Plattsburgh. After a decade as vice president, she became its president and CEO on January 1, 2023.
How does company culture impact you and what do you do to contribute to your company culture? Our culture is priority one for me. People. Passion. Purpose. – is at the heart of all that we do. Over the past few years, UFirst has worked to shift its culture and create a work environment that is positive, fun and safe. We also focus on team building and growing our relationships with each other. If we are working as one, then our members get the total experience when working with us. Leading by example, being empathetic, supportive and flexible are the best ways I help to contribute to the culture at UFirst.
Tell us about your community involvement. Here are some of the organizations I support:
North Country Chamber Ambassador
Champlain Valley Family Center (CVFC)-Treasurer
SUNY Plattsburgh Alumni Association-Board Member & Finance Committee Member
Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY-Board Member & Finance Committee Member
YMCA Campaign Project-Cabinet Member
Stepping Out for Your Heart-Committee Member, past Co-Chair
What would you do if you have three hours off from work and could not go home? I would definitely spend it with family or friends.
What strategies do you use to approach the day? It’s extremely important to me that I connect with as many team members as I can each day. Every morning, I walk around our main branch to say hello and chat with our team. I want them to know that I truly care about them and am genuinely interested in what’s going on in their lives, personally or professionally.
What is something that no one would guess about you? I have an adventurous side. My husband and I enjoy trail riding on our side-by-side or snowmobiles (I have my own!), or racing down the lake on our jet skis.
What important lesson have you learned in your career? Always be willing to stretch and grow. This includes taking opportunities when presented and learning from your mistakes which we all do make. Focusing on your own growth and development will only help you to be the best version of yourself. Encourage others to do the same. Show up every day trying to be your best self.
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken? Accepting the position as President/CEO for UFirst FCU. I knowingly took on the responsibility for the overall success of our organization.
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