(Woodbury, MN – February 2, 2018) Ideal Credit Union has announced the promotion of Emily Kelly to Vice President of Talent and Administration. Kelly joined the Ideal team in 1993 as a teller through the credit union’s OJT (On the Job Training) program with Tartan High School, which is now home to the Ideal CU Student Credit Union. She has also worked in the Contact Center and loan areas. Prior to her promotion she served as Director of Training and Development.

Kelly has over 24 years of credit union experience, with 19 + years spent in the Human Resource Department, a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification through the HR Certification Institute.

In her new position, Kelly will oversee the operations of the Human Resources department and be responsible for recruitment and staffing, employee relations, benefit and payroll administration, employee orientation, development and training, regulatory compliance relative to personnel, pay and benefits, facilities and administrative functions.

Kelly serves as Board Chair for the Ideal Scholarship Foundation, which offers scholarship grants to children and grandchildren of current and retired employees, and coordinates the Casual for a Cause Committee. “Casual for a Cause” is a popular monthly internal fundraising activity that gives employees the opportunity to wear casual clothing (jeans) on designated Fridays for a minimum contribution. A total of 121 Ideal CU employees currently contribute each pay period, which helps raise over $6,500 per year. Members and branch guests are also encouraged to donate. Funds are donated to a different charity each quarter. Kelly is also regular volunteer at credit union-sponsored events, including Second Harvest Heartland and the annual MN Brain Tumor 5K.

“Emily has a wealth of experience and understanding of the human resource and training aspects of the credit union and is a tremendous asset to our organization,” said Ideal CU President/CEO Brian Sherrick. “Emily exemplifies the quality of student employees we have had throughout our long history with Tartan High School and I am excited for this next chapter in her career growth.”

The Ideal CU Student Credit Union is an innovative approach in business education, teaching students the basic principles and practices of the Financial Services industry.  The in-school credit union branch operates fully at Tartan High School and provides the opportunity for students and teachers to conduct a number of financial transactions. Students who work in the Ideal CU Student branch develop a deeper understanding of how a financial institution operates and have the opportunity to learn, participate, and work with confidence alongside credit union professionals while learning specific job skills. In addition, Ideal CU Student employees also lead the unique peer-to-peer “Money Talks” Financial Literacy program, which teaches high school students the building blocks of personal finance: budgeting, savings and investments, credit, and money management tools.

Founded in 1926, Ideal Credit Union is a member owned financial institution that specializes in providing excellent member service, great rates and convenience to over 52,000 members. Ideal CU offers a complete range of services, including a full suite of electronic banking products, savings, checking, loans, mortgage products and title services, exclusive VIP member payback, business services, investment services and more. Offices are located in Eagan, Hugo, Inver Grove Heights, North St. Paul, Stillwater and Woodbury. Visit idealcu.com for details and directions.