Acadia Federal Credit Union, with 87 employees and eight branches throughout northern Maine and Bangor, is pleased to announce the promotions of two dedicated employees, Julie Hayes and Esther Cote.
Hayes, a seasoned 13-year Acadia FCU professional, has been promoted to the position of director of branch operations. In this newly-created role, Hayes will take the lead in overseeing all branch managers, while directing sales and service efforts and ensuring alignment with the credit union’s strategic objectives. Working closely with senior management, she will implement a comprehensive operational plan for sales, service, and business development, with the aim of expanding the member base and boosting branch production.
“I can recall my excitement when I was first offered a part-time teller position back in 2010, as I thought this was a place where I could have a career,” said Hayes. “I love the credit union movement and helping people, so this exciting, new opportunity will help to broaden my management experience and further develop my leadership skills. I’m so pleased to be part of a dynamic, growth-focused company with such talented mentors.”
Through the years, Hayes’s dedication and outstanding member relations have propelled her through various roles within Acadia, including lending, collections, and branch management. Hayes is based at the operations center in Fort Kent but will be traveling regularly to all the branches within our service area to provide guidance and support.
Hayes’ promotion created an opportunity within the Madawaska branch, and we are delighted to announce the promotion of Esther Cote as the new Madawaska branch manager. Cote’s responsibilities include supervising overall branch operations while upholding Acadia FCU’s established policies and procedures. She will also play a key role in Madawaska member development, overseeing member and lending services, and underwriting consumer loans.
“It’s such an incredible sense of achievement for me, to have begun with an entry-level position and progressing into this leadership role – all within the same branch,” said Cote. “While I never anticipated a branch manager position in my future with Acadia, I’m truly thankful for our fantastic team, whose support boosted my confidence to apply. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the wonderful members of Acadia FCU as I have for the last 17 years.”
Cote began her career with Acadia FCU in 2006 as a part-time teller at our Madawaska branch. Her dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to providing exceptional service to members quickly led to a full-time position and in 2017, a promotion to lead member service representative.
These two employee journeys showcase the opportunities for growth and advancement available within Acadia FCU. “We are thrilled for Julie and Esther, as their well-deserved promotions are a testament to their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence,” said Acadia FCU Executive Vice President Joey Cannan. “As we continue to grow and focus on enhancing our member experience, Julie and Esther’s leadership will be pivotal in driving our efforts forward and ensuring our success in serving our members at the highest level.”
Hayes and Cote officially stepped into their respective roles in August. We are confident that both will continue to make significant contributions to the success of Acadia FCU.
With a rich history dating back to 1963, Acadia Federal Credit Union is the culmination of seven smaller community credit unions and proudly serves Aroostook, Penobscot, Hancock, Washington, and Piscataquis counties. With eight branch locations, over 16,000 members, and assets exceeding $321 million, our mission, “Creating exceptional experiences to enrich your life,” guides our dedication to delivering top-tier support and financial solutions, while contributing to the vibrancy of our communities. Discover how our member-owned financial institution can enhance your financial journey by visiting acadiafcu.org.
