MADISON, Wis. – Maps Credit Union’s Chief Operating Officer Rachel Pross has been named as one of the “Credit Union Rock Stars” of the year by Credit Union Magazine.
The magazine’s Rock Stars program recognizes outstanding credit union professionals and volunteers who use their strengths to advance the missions of their credit unions. This year’s winners were selected for showing exceptional creativity, innovation, and passion.
“During the past year’s trying times,” said magazine publisher Michelle Willits, “these Credit Union Rock Stars used their unique characteristics to serve their members, their communities, and their co-workers.”
Pross, who is profiled on the Credit Union National Association’s CUNA News website, joined Maps in 2016 as vice president of risk. Since then, the Mount Angel resident has become the COO of the $1.2 billion asset credit union.
“It’s been exciting to be part of something so innovative and impactful,” say Pross.
Pross serves on the executive committee of the CUNA Compliance & Risk Council, and manages a risk and compliance team of 19. She also oversees a credit union service organization and the accounting, finance, information technology, security, governmental affairs, and audit departments at Maps.
Pross says she fuels herself for her work by getting outside to climb and backpack. She recently circumnavigated Mount Hood and climbed Mount St. Helens.
Taking time for herself also has helped Pross cope with having multiple sclerosis, which she was diagnosed with nearly three years ago.
“MS has hitched a ride with me, but it’s not driving the car,” she says. “The biggest challenge has been pain management and dealing with the pandemic while on immunotherapy treatments.
Pross says she addresses personal and professional challenges the same way: By studying, staying informed, and trusting her judgment.
“My advice for others is to listen to your gut and never give up seeking answers when something isn’t right,” she says. “It’s so much easier to handle something when you know what you’re facing.”
Sponsored by Fiserv, Credit Union Rock Stars will be profiled in a special digital issue of Credit Union Magazine.
Check out all the winners and read their stories at news.cuna.org/rockstar.