Spotlight on Success

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

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.

Category: Spotlight on Success