Sunward’s Cottonwood Branch opened nearly two decades ago, in 1998, and is the Credit Union’s second-largest location in terms of both employees and member transactions.
Left to right: Richard Rickert, Financial Service Representative (FSR) Senior; Alyssa Castanon, Teller; Riya Kaur, Financial Service Officer (FSO); Angelina Velez, Member Service Supervisor; Erin Suknot, Teller Supervisor; Russell Wilson, FSR; Jered Trujillo, Branch Manager. Not Pictured: Alexandra Rickert, Teller Lead; Tonie Church, Teller Lead; Juliana Leon, Teller Lead; Rita Miera, Teller Senior; Jaci Cortez, Teller; Teresa Gonzales, FSO.
Sunward's Cottonwood Branch opened nearly two decades ago, in 1998, and is the Credit Union’s second-largest location in terms of both employees and member transactions. Despite the high volume of transactions, every person who visits the Cottonwood branch can expect a personal and friendly experience.
“When our members come into the branch, we want them to feel like family,” says Jered Trujillo, Cottonwood’s new Branch Manager. “ Sunward's mission is to keep a close and caring touch with our members, and that is what we hope to accomplish with every interaction.”
Teller Supervisor Erin Suknot agrees. “We pride ourselves on our friendliness and making our members feel welcome. We do our best to get to know our members personally so they feel as comfortable as possible and know they can trust us with their needs.”
Cottonwood is also the only Sunward location to provide shared branching services. This allows members of other participating credit unions to perform certain transactions at a Sunward branch, just as it lets Sunward members visit participating credit unions for their own transactions. “Everyone can expect an amicable experience when they come to the Cottonwood branch, whether they are members of Sunward or not,” says Financial Service Representative Russell Wilson.
The dedication to service starts well before the branch opens to members each day. “My favorite part about working at Cottonwood is the amazing team,” says Teller Lead Alexandra Rickert. “The people I work with make it enjoyable to come to work, which then reflects in all of our attitudes toward our members. The end result is great member service and a strong team environment.”
Member Service Supervisor Angelina Velez believes in a commitment to Sunward’s values because individual member experiences affect more than just that member. “Many of Sunward's new members join because they've heard good things about us from their friends and family.”
When it comes to suggestions on ways members can support their financial lifestyle, most Cottonwood employees agree that online and mobile resources are a helpful way to manage money. “I encourage members to enroll in CU@home Online banking,” says Russell. “This increases convenience because they can access their accounts anywhere.” Members should also download Sunward’s mobile app, Jered says. “It offers an assortment of services that can save our members money and time in their everyday lives.”
The Cottonwood branch is located at 3740 Ellison Rd NW in Albuquerque and offers full branch services as well as safe deposit boxes, ATMs, and five drive-up lanes.
