Spotlight on Success

Learning, Leading, and Giving Back: My Full-Circle Journey with CFTEA by Board Member, Judy Folsom

April 30, 2025

My journey with CFTEA spans many years and has been crucial to shaping my banking career. Early on, I recognized that continuous education is vital to success in this industry—a belief my parents reinforced by encouraging me never to turn down a chance to learn, especially when supported by my employer. Throughout my career, I’ve taken countless CFTEA courses, far too many to list. Some of the most impactful include Principles of Banking, Written Communications, and the Certificate in Leadership

Growing, Giving Back, and Grateful: Julie’s CFTEA Story

April 23, 2025

I started my banking career at TowneBank at the age of 25, a few years out of college. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into or that I’d love it and would be celebrating my 20th year in banking this summer. I started my college journey thinking I wanted to be an educator. I ended up with a business degree, but I am now in Learning & Development at TowneBank, so it really did work out that I’m an

Success Story in Action!

April 22, 2025

We’re thrilled to share that just days after the Portland Adult Education Teller Graduation, one of the talented graduates was hired by Skowhegan Savings Bank! This event wasn’t just a celebration—it was the culmination of 255 hours of hands-on training including CFTEA’s updated Frontline Fundamentals course, designed to launch careers in community banking. From classroom learning to real-world opportunities, this program is making a powerful impact—and we’re just getting started.

“I Never Thought I Could Do This… Until CFTEA” – from Board Member, Melissa Greene

April 2, 2025

When I began my banking career as a teller, I was encouraged to enroll in the foundational course Principles of Banking. I did not know at the time what one course could do, or the ways that learning could expand my career path. What I knew was that I was a young wife and mother who never thought it would be possible to earn a college degree. I was facing financial worries and deep personal fears about fitting into any

The Lasting Impact of CFTEA – A Story from Board Member, Mary Swift

March 26, 2025

Education goes beyond the classroom—it transforms careers and creates lasting connections. CFTEA Board Member Mary Swift from Kennebunk Savings Bank shares a powerful story about how a simple Written Communication course helped a colleague earn a promotion and how CFTEA training continues to shape workplace conversations years later. You never know when the impact of CFTEA will present itself. One day I was in the grocery store when I bumped into a fellow employee. This employee had recently been promoted.

From Student to Leader: Nancy Hines’ Full-Circle Journey with CFTEA

February 26, 2025

As the current CFTEA Board President, I often reflect on the question: How did I get here? From Student to Instructor to Board Member to Executive Board Member to Board President, it has been quite a journey. CFTEA gave me the tools and resources I needed to grow my career. I now get the opportunity to give back and help others do the same. I have come full circle! At the start of my career, as a recent college graduate,

Spotlight on Success: Reagan Buskey

February 18, 2025

Spotlight on Success: Reagan Buskey Reagan Buskey started at Claremont Savings Bank (CSB) in May 2024, when he joined the team as a Relationship Banker. Right from the start, Reagan’s dedication to learning and his ambition to succeed set him apart. His commitment to his professional development led him to complete the ABA Residential Mortgage Lender Certificate through CFTEA. Reagan found the courses to be very helpful, with the information well-structured and easy to understand. He was able to take

Spotlight on Success: Nathanael Blake

February 11, 2025

Spotlight on Success: Nathanael Blake Meet Nathanael Blake, one of the newest members of Claremont Savings Bank (CSB). Nathanael joined CSB in September 2024, demonstrating remarkable initiative and an unwavering commitment to advancing his knowledge in the lending industry. His dedication paid off swiftly, as he was promoted to Mortgage Loan Originator in January 2025. Nathanael’s enthusiasm and drive are truly inspiring. His recent achievement of completing the ABA Residential Mortgage Lender Certificate through CFTEA is a testament to his

CFTEA Welcomes Jennifer Smith to the CFTEA Council!

February 5, 2025

CFTEA Council Spotlight: Jennifer Smith AVP, Retail Experience Officer Union Bank Meet Jennifer Smith, AVP and Retail Experience Officer at Union Bank, who enthusiastically gained more information on CFTEA from CFTEA Board Member, Melissa Greene, and has joined as a new CFTEA council member. Driven by her own experience, Jennifer is passionate about promoting financial literacy and education, which she believes is a fundamental right for all. Why CFTEA? Jennifer’s journey to CFTEA council is rooted in her commitment to

Meghan Crider Joins CFTEA Council, Bringing Passion for Education and Community Development

November 15, 2024

Council Spotlight: Meghan Crider Virginia National Bank Meghan Crider, President of Educational Programs at Virginia National Bank, is a dedicated advocate for education and community development. Her commitment to professional growth is evident in her recent decision to join the council of the Center for Financial Training and Education Alliance (CFTEA). Why CFTEA? Reflecting on her interactions with CFTEA, Meghan shared, “I believe in CFTEA’s mission – to empower students to achieve their goals, support organizations to realize success, and

Category: Spotlight on Success