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Nine years ago I answered an ad in the paper with the hopes of moving closer to my family. The ad was for a Marketing Director position at Call Federal Credit Union. I wish I knew then how much my life would change, just how passionate I would feel towards something I knew so little about at the time. It’s funny to think of it now, but I didn’t know what a credit union was then or even have a clue how I might market one, but the decision has been one of the best and luckiest of my life.
It’s time to turn the page.
As scary as it is to leave the comfort of what I know, it’s time to move on again and follow what feels right. I am leaving a credit union job that I adore. One that has been rewarding, challenging and has made me a better person. I am leaving an amazing credit union family with a dynamic team of people, a supportive boss who’s been a wonderful mentor and friend, a fun and amazing partner in crime, and a long trail of experiences and memories I will take with me. I feel like the luckiest marketing director in CU Land. And I honestly don’t know how I will say goodbye.
I can’t ignore the calling.
About three years ago my credit union went through a branding exercise that refocused our entire organization. It was a powerful yet harrowing experience that created amazing results – for my credit union, for my members and for me professionally. Since that time, I have felt a calling to help other credit unions learn from the experience – the good, the bad and the ugly of what happens when a credit union digs deep and finds true differentiation.
Yes, The “Call” girl (That’s uh…as in Call FCU) has a new calling.
I have teamed up with the brains here at iDiz and have created gira{ph} to help those extra special small to mid-sized credit unions where the Marketing Director plays an amazing balancing act and seems to do it all. We’ve created a three step process so credit unions can discover and amplify what is unique about their organization in order to create chemistry with consumers and take advantage of these unprecedented times.
This is a unique moment in time for the credit union movement and the challenges and opportunities are vast, but differentiation is the key. Credit unions of ALL sizes can get ahead. Â I want to help them create the energy, focus and differentiation needed to seize their day in the sun.
I just quit the job I love in the worst economy in our lifetime (gulp), but I can’t think of a better or more rewarding cause. I hope you’ll join me on this new adventure.
And if I can help you seize this moment in time or inspire your Board and Team to take the right steps, I’m all yours.
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Cool. Congrats.
Congrats Kelley! Sounds exciting -
Kelley I am so proud of you and I am going to miss working with you everyday! You are an inspiration to me
! You are the best partner in crime…
The winners in life think constantly in terms of I can, I will, and I am. Losers, on the other hand, concentrate their waking thoughts on
what they should have have or would have done, or what they can’t do.
-Dennis Waitley
xoxoxo,
Amalia
I know how tough a move like this can be, and I applaud you for our courage. You have a special gift, I’m convinced. I can’t wait to see you share that gift with credit unions.
Good luck Kelley!
The only ones who should be “scared” are the companies who don’t call on you for help!!! You are an over the top creative genius and I know you’ll look back at this time and decision as one of the best times of your life!!! You go girl!!
Sniff-sniff!!! You are so talented and gifted, Kelley! The sky and beyond is the limit for you, so I can only be happy for you and wish you all the best. I want to thank you for your many contributions to the Chapter – you were a complete joy to work with! I know we’ll see you around! Hugs to you my friend!
Kelley, it’s been such a pleasure to watch you on your current adventure, I can’t wait to see what more is in store for you! Congrats and good luck!
Congratulations!You will do a great job!
Very excited for you! Good luck, Kelley!
Good Luck Kelley! (Not that you’ll need it.) You are talented, gifted, creative and just plain amazing! We’ve seen what you can do and those credit unions are going to love having you!
Congrats Kelley! Sounds like a wonderful opportunity.
Kelly Congrats….This is an exciting opportunity..you will do a terrific job..iDiz chose the best of the best…Good Luck and I’ll stay in touch.
Kelley,
Congratulations! You are so talented and there is no doubt that you will be successful in this pursuit. I will miss working with you at Call Federal, but hope that our paths will cross again.
Good Luck!
Karen Noel
Kelley, congrats!!!! WOW that is a BIG and EXCITING move… You are perfect for that role. I can’t wait to watch all your successes…
Best of luck.
Shawn
I am soooooo excited for you! You are an amazing talent and will succeed at anything you do. Go get ‘em, Kelley!
Congratulations, Kelley! I have no doubt that you will be extremely successful!!
My prayers have been answered! Finally I can talk to someone other than Kent and Brian when I call. Congrats Kelly, you couldn’t have found a better team to join. Make sure Kent budgets for your travel to the CMBDC conference each year.
Kelley, I have only known of you for a short period of time. I have been impressed by your abilities (including the minutes of the R C of C U’s meetings.) Best of Luck and Congratulations!
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin to Pooh
Watch out world! Here comes Kelley Parks! Congratulations!
Wishing you continued success as you embark on your new adventure. Thanks for all you have done for our credit union community.
Way to go kelley! Your leap of faith will be rewarded….
Thanks Kelley for welcoming me into CU Land 1 1/2 years ago. I wish you the best with your new endeavor! Congratulations!
Go Kelley Go! Mucho exciting!
Congratulations Kelley! What an amazingly brave and exciting move for you! You’ll do great!
As someone who has know you a bit longer than most others, I have never seen you fail at anything you have attempted, and pity the fool that gets in your way. There are a multitude of financial types, business doers, and worker bees, but our country has too few truly creative folks that have both vision and the talent to complete the task. You have that rare, valuable talent. Now you will have the opportunity to share it with more than just the fine folks at Call FCU. What is just as important, is your ability to work with and call on others to help you. Apple, Nike, Google, E-Bay, and others now have a new marketing threat they have to watch out for.
Fulfill Your Dream
For many years you’ve been preparing for something new that you would do,
Each step you took in that direction has helped you see your dream come true.
You have grown in many ways; you have such character and smile,
All your learning opportunities, that’s what came with every single trial.
Every step God’s been directing you, for the special plan that He would share,
He knew this the day that you were born – don’t ever question, does He care?
You’ve had times of feeling anxious; days that made you feel unsure,
But God has seen you through it all, and till the end, you will endure.
I know that times can seem more stressful, when preparing for the game,
But once you start you will be seeing, the goal you’ve met, the walk of fame.
So be strong along this journey, I know great things are yes in store,
For every window that seemed to close, God blessed you with an open door.
So as you lay your head to rest no matter how hard these things might seem,
Put your faith in God and do not quit, pursue your call; fulfill your dream!
Be strong in the Lord Kelley – fulfill your hearts desires and live out your dreams!
Thank you for all that you have done for me and for the meaning of friendship that you have taught me.
Carmel
Kelly, I have always admired your work. I know that Roger will feel the pain of losing you. I also know that he will wish you the best, just as I do.
Violet West
President
VPFCU
Best wishes to you, Kelly. Come visit Maine again. Congratulations
Kelley, you are an amazing woman and friend. You will be an inspiration to so many people, you always have been. You are a creative guru and incredible person with a passion for helping others. God has blessed you with vision, creativity and integrity. We are blessed to know you and will refer business your way every chance we get. I know Breakthru Consulting will continue to use you. Thank you for sharing the exciting news.
“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail.” I am so proud of you. I will see you on the moon.
Love you,
Melissa
Congratulations Kelley! You are very talented and have so much to offer to the world of credit unions….and far beyond. I wish you the best of luck and success with this amazing opportunity.
Good Afternoon Kelley:
Congratulations to you and we will certainly miss you at Call FCU and your contributions to the Virginia Credit Union LEAGUE. The great news is that you will continue to serve credit unions throughout the nation and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is great to see committed, young professionals succeed and you hav done so and will continue to do so.
The best to you in the future!!!!
Sincerely,
Rick Pillow
President
Virginia Credit Union LEAGUE
Kelley, I’m so proud of you and look forward to seeing you sharing your many talents with more credit unions. It is an amazing industry and after 34 years I am still excited and energized. Best of luck and success in your new endeavor!
Kelley,
Congratulations, you will do amazing. With your talent and vision you will do great in this new venture.
Craig Riedlinger
This is huge news, Kelley. Wishing you all the best in this new venture. You’ll be great!
A new record for most comments here? I think so.
You are amazingly talented; and I think it’s wonderful you are spreading the wealth–the movement will benefit greatly from your expertise.
I am honored to be a fellow i3er with you! you go girl!
Wow. Thank you all for your support and kind words. You just have no idea how much it means to me.
For once, I’m speechless.
Kelley,
We are all rooting for you and know you will enjoy your new challenges!
[...] • Shared iDiz » Posts » A new calling for Call’s girl [...]
Kelley: I second the thoughts of a certain W. W. Epperson, Jr. (Who is that guy?).
I know that you will be every bit as successful in your new endeavor as you were in your previous one at Call FCU. Those folks must be extremely conflicted – sad over your departure, but thrilled at seeing a rising star soar even higher.
All the best!
Kelley-
I’m sad to see you leave Call, but glad you will continue to put that boundless energy and ethusiasm into assisting us all. You have always impressed me with your creativity so keep on shining, girl!
Pam
Kelley, this is so exciting…but I will miss working with you on the CALL account. It has been fun watching you and Victor Nash working on TV campaigns together, 2 such creative minds at work! Best of luck and please stay in touch.
Congrats Kelley! We’ll miss working with you on Call Federal but wish you all the best. I know you’re up for the challenge! Let us know how to stay in touch. – Don
When I read the first paragraph I thought, NO WAY, but now I understand where you are coming from. I hope that this decision proves to be as successful and rewarding as your decision to join the CU family. Congrats and Good Luck!
Wow Kelley! What exciting news! Congratulations on your new adventure!
OMG! I know that Call FCU will miss you dearly…but CONGRATULATIONS! I wish you the absolute best with your new endeavor. I know you will succeed at whatever you do. You have so much to offer. I enjoyed working with you! Keep in touch. Tamara
Congratulations Kelly! What exciting news! CUES Golden Golden Mirror Awards won’t be the same without the dynamic duo of you and Amelia!
Of course, maybe you’ll enter with another credit union. 
Felicia Hudson
Marketing Specialist
Credit Union Executives Society (CUES)
Kelley,
I am a bit late, as usual, I never could keep up with you!!! But I just want to add my congratulations and best wishes to you in your new endeavor.I see now that the move to your own digs at Marketopia was just the begining of the weaning process for us at Call. We love you so we will (grudgingly !) share you with the rest of the CU world. You go Girl..wow them like you did us !!