Town & Country Credit Union recognizes five team members with its 2024 employee recognition awards! Relaunched in 2024, the program celebrates employees who embody what it means to be exceptional team members across four categories. Employees are nominated by their peers, and winners are chosen by a selection committee.
Lisa Thuner, Executive Mortgage Officer in Minot, takes home the Above & Beyond Service award for her commitment to providing exceptional service to credit union members. Thuner is a passionate mortgage lender who will put in the work to overcome challenges and make home happen for a borrower, while keeping them well-informed every step of the way.
Pictured L to R: Kalli Schell, President/CEO with Lisa Thuner, Executive Mortgage Officer.
The Heart of the Credit Union Award goes to Kayla Bechtold, Business Analyst in Fargo. Much like a beating heart, her work behind the scenes keeps everyone else at the credit union moving. Bechtold leverages her technical skills and positive attitude to make employee ideas a reality by simplifying, improving and automating processes.
Pictured L to R: Kalli Schell, President/CEO with Kayla Bechtold, Business Analyst.
The Leadership at Any Level award goes to Kirsten Solway, Business Services Specialist in Fargo, who exemplifies the belief that you don't need a management title to be a leader. Solway is a passionate advocate for our member businesses and uses her infectious energy to motivate her teammates to get involved at the credit union and in the community.
Pictured L to R: Kalli Schell, President/CEO with Kristen Solway, Business Services Specialist.
Rookie of the Year award goes to two employees who have made a meaningful impact on the credit union since they joined less than two years ago – Chad Cota, VP Business Lending, and Crystal Mercer, Member Experience & Digital Services Manager. In addition to being a skilled commercial lender, Cota is a champion for the credit union’s retail products and serves as a mentor in the credit union’s internal mentorship program. Mercer is a growth-oriented leader who actively works to make things better for her team and create an outstanding experience for the credit union’s members.
Pictured L to R: Kalli Schell, President/CEO with Chad Cota, VP Business Lending and Crystal Mercer, Member Experience & Digital Services Manager with Kalli Schell, President/CEO.
"These employees live out our credit union values and truly go the extra mile to make a positive impact on our members and their fellow employees," said Kalli Schell, President/CEO. "Congratulations to all five of our 2024 winners!"
In alignment with their mission of positively impacting the community, Town & Country donated on behalf of each winner to a non-profit of their choice. Donations benefitted Down Home, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Bridging the Gap, Homeward Animal Shelter and the Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center.
