Our Community Connections Conversations continues with WECU CEO Jennifer Kutcher. In this fun conversation we hit on how one can become reach the rung of CEO, motivation, life in Bellingham, and how she might... be a kickboxing scrabble ninja? Come listen in on the conversation! THIS....you lovely and talented listener.... Is the Bellingham Podcast.

[We, Chris] both graduated from Western in 1996. What do you remember from your undergraduate studies at Western in the mid-90s? What do you remember life being like in Bellingham way back then?

How has the Bellingham community changed in your perspective after a couple of decades of living here? How has the credit union supported the community’s need as times have changed?

Speaking of involvement in the community - WECU’s Education First Grants, totaling $110,000 - Whatcom Dream, BAAY, Lummi Youth Academy, and Opportunity Council are the 2019 recipients. That’s quite a successful program! *Sounds like the Education First Grant program will continue in 2020?*


Professional leadership and experience:

For many people, you have reached one of the top rungs of a professional ladder as President and CEO of a financial institution with over $1 BILLION in assets 9 (Please correct me if I’m mistaken?) For a young person who might be working hard, perhaps on the lower rungs of that ladder, how would you advise or encourage someone as they look way up at all the rungs of that ladder, should they want to arrive at where you are today?

In your 20+ year career was there an event that was incredibly difficult to get through, but has made you wiser or more resilient today?

Jennifer’s mindset and perspective:

On the show AJ and I are always talking about mindsets, routine changes, or other ways we are tweaking ourselves to be better...kind of like a recurring New Years resolution without waiting until January 1. Is there anything or a mindset you are have adopted recently to help you improve your life?

From your perspective, what does Bellingham need more of?

What is that one thing you feel everyone should have? Or shouldn't live without? (now flipping that on its head.)
What is the one thing in your life you just wish you could do less of? (digital devices? A bad habit?)

If you could have the magic wand of awesomeness - and you only are allowed one single wish - what would you use it for in Bellingham?

*POP QUIZ:*

Where is your favorite place in town to get a bite to eat?
Best place to get a cup of coffee... Go!
When your work or non-work life gets to be way stressful, where in Whatcom County do you go to unwind, reflect, or relax?

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Jennifer graduated from *WWU with a degree in finance* and has also earned the Certified Chief Executive distinction from the *Wharton School of Business*, *Cornell University*, *Darden* Graduate School of Management, and *MIT*’s Sloan School of Management.