Arbor Financial Credit Union held its 88th annual meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. During the Annual Meeting the Board of Directors presented the 2023 James E. Fetterolf Distinguished Service Award. This special award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People". We are so pleased to announce this year’s award recipient is September Kirvan!
September joined Arbor Financial Credit Union, then known as Educational Community Credit Union in January 2008, beginning her credit union career as a teller. September’s hard work and dedication earned her well-deserved recognition and promotions throughout her career, including a promotion to mortgage manager in 2010 and then another promotion to director of mortgage lending in 2019. September has been instrumental in contributing to the growth of Arbor’s mortgage lending department. Through her relationships in the industry, her ever-increasing knowledge gained through continuing educational opportunities, and her vision to continually bring new and fresh ideas to the table, September has watched the mortgage lending department grow from a team of 7 to a team of 30, and balances of $93.7 million to more than $401 million.
Reflecting on her career, September shared that growing up, she spent her youth in Illinois before her family settled in Paw Paw where she graduated from Paw Paw High School. September says, “I feel privileged to serve the members of the community where I have raised my family. My career at Arbor Financial Credit Union has been so rewarding. The day I was promoted to director of mortgage lending was the proudest day of my working life. Being awarded this honor affirms that I have made a difference not only at Arbor, but to many members navigating the home-buying process. I am very thankful to have had this opportunity.”
In addition to exemplifying Arbor's core value of "Work Together," September also embraces our values of "Do the Right Thing" and "Have Fun." September is well-known for her generous heart in supporting Arbor Financials' Caring Committee, and no Halloween celebration would be complete without September coordinating the mortgage team that was often recognized for winning the "Best Costumes" at Arbor.
September recently retired from her full-time role as director of mortgage lending but still works part-time for Arbor Financial. She is now enjoying her well-earned free time with her two daughters (who also both work for credit unions), and her husband of 42 years at their lake house.