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Meet Jessica, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer for Spero Financial! Starting out at Spero as a Branch Manager nearly fifteen years ago, Jessica didn’t realize then that she would be where she is now. Along with her role at Spero, Jessica is also wife, mom, and even dog mom! Jessica’s devotion to the Credit Union Movement and “People Helping People” cooperative philosophy has propelled her in her career and driven her in each opportunity along the way. Continue reading to hear a bit more about Jessica’s journey and maybe even pick up a piece of advice, or three, along the way!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Jessica’s journey began at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Advertising. Shortly thereafter, Jessica moved to South Carolina. There, she began working as an Auditor and Consultant in healthcare. In this role, she reviewed contracts between healthcare payers and providers to ensure payment accuracy. Her next role was as a Relationship Banker for BB&T, soon thereafter becoming a Family Risk Manager for their Insurance Department.
Following this, Jessica was given the opportunity to manage the Spero, then SC Telco, branch in Liberty. She led a team of three and was given the opportunity to learn about credit unions, leadership, and community. Her areas of responsibility soon expanded into both the Liberty and Easley branches.
During this time, Jessica said, “The challenge excited me, and I got to work! These roles taught me a lot about building teams and managing my time.”
Jessica then transitioned into her next role as Sales and Service Leader, developing tellers and specialists in their roles. Jessica then became VP of Member Services, where she oversaw branch operations for the organization.
During her time in this role, Jessica says she is most proud of bringing the phrases “How may we serve you” and “Thank you for your membership” to life.
These phrases are still used today in all Spero branches, as they showcase the credit union difference of people serving people. Jessica noted that in this role she learned most about leading managers and how to offer support and encouragement to those she led.
“I have been awarded numerous opportunities to grow and I love to share that with our newest teammates at Team Spero as I am just one of the many examples of the opportunity that exists here,” shared Jessica.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT POSITION? WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND COME TO WORK?
Without hesitation, her response was simply, “The impact!”
She is motivated by the opportunity to make an impact both inside and outside of our organization through volunteering and advocacy work. This impact is something she shares amongst all who work at Spero. Our mission propels her in her role, as well as the culture that marks Team Spero and the ability to continue to build and nourish it.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD TELL YOUR 25-YEAR-OLD SELF IF YOU KNEW THEN WHAT YOU KNOW NOW?
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable… but they’re never weaknesses. While there will be times you’re asked to begin a new chapter when you aren’t ready and other times when you’ll feel like you’ll never finish the book— trust in the journey and be willing to make some mistakes along the way! Throughout it all, commit to doing your best every single day and have faith in your journey.”
Jessica also shared some advice on work-life balance— stating that it really isn’t a thing, after all. While you will miss some things simply because you can’t be in two places at once, the key is “choosing your things.”
Jessica says, “Talk to your family and talk to your team, early and often, to help prioritize the ‘things’!”
