Spotlight on Success

Board Spotlight: Chrissy Askren

September 3, 2025

Serving as a board member for the Center for Financial Training and Education Alliance (CFTEA) has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Being on the board of CFTEA provides a unique opportunity to connect with professionals who share a passion for learning and development in the financial industry. The networking aspect alone has been invaluable—I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with talented individuals across different institutions, exchanging ideas, and working together to enhance training opportunities for our teams. One of the

Board Spotlight: Jessi Jaquish, Union Bank

August 27, 2025

I was first introduced to CFTEA (Center for Financial Training and Education Alliance) in November of 2017 as a new banker. One of my mentors was eager to take some classes in person, but she didn’t want to take classes alone. I had never been one that enjoyed school. I was a very shy, self-conscious student. It took her some time, but my mentor’s eagerness and persistence lead me to taking my first CFTEA course, which lead to another, and

Board Spotlight: Casey Dillingham, Mascoma Bank

August 6, 2025

Fueled by my commitment to continuous learning, I am dedicated to not only expanding my own horizons, but also to helping others grow in their careers. CFTEA has played a significant role in supporting my team members and myself in reaching our learning and development goals. I began my career in banking while still in college and with little understanding of the business of banking. The knowledge that I gained by participating in CFTEA courses felt relevant and not only

Board Member Spotlight: Arielle Darling, Androscoggin Bank

July 30, 2025

I have been a trainer, mentor, and coach in various industries and sectors for most of my adult life. When I joined the world of banking, I was introduced to (and eagerly became well-acquainted with) CFTEA as a trusted source of valuable information. I dove in to learn what I could, network with others in the same field, and gain new insights and perspectives on the direction my career had recently taken. I had to learn Banking from the ground

Board Spotlight: Board Member, Carrie Welch – First National Bank

July 23, 2025

CFTEA is an organization that helps Learning and Development professionals come together to support each other and brainstorm ways to address learning needs in our field. They have become the first place I look when I need to provide training to someone in my organization and they are the first place I suggest to others when they are looking to fill a training gap. The network I’m a part of is the first place I reach out to when I

Outgoing Board Member Spotlight: Lisa Thomas, Maine Community Bank

July 16, 2025

Outgoing Board Member Spotlight: Lisa Thomas, Maine Community Bank I began my banking career in 1992, and during my first 10 years, I was encouraged to take a variety of CFTEA courses to expand my banking knowledge. I’m deeply grateful to all my managers and the CFTEA staff for keeping me on track as I completed several certificates and diplomas. Over the years, I’ve learned that continued education is essential to stay up to date with the constant changes in

Board Spotlight: Robyn Walters

July 9, 2025

Board Spotlight: Robyn Walters, TowneBank If you had told me when I was in school, I would have a career in banking, I would have told you that you were crazy. Looking back on my five years at TowneBank, I am happy to say I can’t imagine myself anywhere else! When my colleague and fellow CFTEA Board member, Julie Stevens, reached out about joining the CFTEA Board, it was an immediate yes. I was so excited to join an organization

Spotlight: Board Member Maureen Golden

July 2, 2025

“Whatever a professional education looks like for you is within your reach through CFTEA.” “It’s not a race, enjoy the journey.” Suggested to me by a mentor in 1986, “if you want to help people get a job in banking.” I will never forget that statement because it launched me into a banking career where I can only hope I have had a positive impact and have helped people along the way. However, I did not have a formal education

Meet New CFTEA Council Member: Lauren Harrington

June 3, 2025

CFTEA Council Member Spotlight: Meet Lauren Harrington! Retail Training Specialist | Machias Savings Bank Lauren Harrington is no stranger to the power of continued learning. Starting her career with no prior banking experience, Lauren credits CFTEA with helping her build the skills and confidence to reach both short- and long-term career goals. “I highly recommend CFTEA to anyone looking to grow in their current role or explore a new career path. Their courses offer a great way to see if

Leading with Purpose: Danielle Violette’s CFTEA Board Story

May 21, 2025

My first experience with CFTEA was when I had just graduated college. I had received my first job as a CSS (Assistant Branch Manager) position at a financial institution. I was filled with excitement and hope for this new position. I quickly learned that even though I learned lots during my studies, I knew little about banking and the professional jargon. That is when I discovered CFTEA! They had a Bank Teller Certification program (Certified Modern Banking Representative) that would

Category: Spotlight on Success