Even better, that same year, like many amazing OlyFedders, Michelle Lord began her career as the bank’s Office Assistant and Receptionist.
What’s incredible to consider is the fact that in 1982 interest rates at the Federal Reserve were 11.50%, mortgage rates topped 18% and the median home price was $67,000! Today, the Fed Funds rate is at 0.25%, mortgage rates are between 2 to 3% and the median home price in Thurston County is $430,000! Even though the numbers have changed, Michelle’s shared values with OlyFed have remained consistent in putting people first.
Those values have proven to be resilient because in Michelle’s time with OlyFed, she’s experienced the Savings & Loan Crisis, seen the addition of five new branches, and been a part of the digital revolution in banking and business. In addition, Michelle has seen our local population more than double and OlyFed’s assets more than quadruple. From Lakefair Bed Races and Realtor Community Service Day to Habitat for Humanity Build Days, Michelle has always been a leader stepping up to help care for the community that supports OlyFed.
While a lot has changed in the past 39 years, Michelle’s commitment to OlyFed and our customers has been unwavering. Michelle’s many skills and talents have helped make the Association a better place to work and do business and that is evidenced in the many roles she’s had within the organization. After serving as the Receptionist for a little over a year, it was clear Michelle was smart, quick on her feet, detail-oriented and cared deeply about taking care of our customers, which is why she was promoted to Main Branch CSR and then New Accounts Representative. In 1985, Michelle was named CSR Supervisor and a year later Branch Operations Supervisor.
At the beginning of 1988, Michelle transferred to the Lacey Branch for about two years, then when she was promoted to Loan Closer in 1990, she worked in the Main Branch. In 2000, Michelle returned to Lacey Branch with a promotion to Loan Officer, and soon after being named Employee of the Quarter in 2007, she was promoted to AVP/Branch Manager. In 2016, Michelle returned to the Main Branch as AVP Senior Loan Officer and a year later, she was named AVP Loan Underwriter. Lastly, in 2019, Michelle was promoted to AVP/Senior Loan Underwriter and she has spent the past couple of years helping train and mentor our Loan Team in all the critical aspects of lending.
In Michelle’s time at OlyFed, she’s assisted thousands of people in becoming homeowners, aided numerous customers in developing and carrying out savings plans to achieve their dreams and coached dozens of team members as they advanced in their careers. Many people have shared how much they’ve appreciated Michelle’s friendship, wise counsel, sense of humor and commitment to doing the right thing.
While Michelle will be greatly missed, her retirement is well-deserved and we’re all excited for the adventures that await her. We wish her much joy, good health and happiness in the days ahead traveling, gardening, golfing, reading and camping. Thank you for your many contributions, Michelle!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at OlyFed
