For 10 years now, Charleen Levin has been working in the finance industry, but her newest position as the sales manager at Purdue Federal Credit Union’s Crown Point branch is unique in that she is serving the very community of which she is a part.
Levin was born and raised here in Northwest Indiana and has been passionate about banking for most of her life. Her first position in finance was as a teller, but for the past eight years, Levin has split her time between working as a personal banker and, more recently, a customer service manager for two regional banks.
After doing some research into Purdue Federal and learning more about its mission, community outreach, and general feel, Levin decided it was time to take the leap and apply.
“When I came across the sales manager position for Purdue Federal Credit Union in Crown Point, I knew this was for me,” Levin said. “I did some research on the organization, visited their website, and came to the conclusion that this is what I have been working toward.”
Not only did the position itself spark excitement in Levin, but also the goals of the credit union were closely aligned with her own. Across Northwest Indiana, Purdue Federal is widely accepted as a financial institution that prioritizes those they serve, and this was something that resonated strongly within Levin.
“Purdue Federal puts their members first by following their core values of honesty, integrity, pride, ownership and mutual respect,” Levin said. “Having the opportunity to help educate our members on how Purdue Federal can help them achieve their goals in my very own community is exactly what I have always wanted to do.”
The heightened community feeling that Levin has gained thus far during her time with Purdue Federal, which began just this May, is likely what stands out to her the most.
“I am excited to be the sales manager in a community where my family and I are actively involved and where I’m working with a group of people who truly enjoy what they do,” Levin said. “The entire Purdue Federal Crown Point team and I plan to attend and be actively involved in many community events. I want to understand the needs of our community to ensure we are a stronger community within and that we are supporting Purdue Federal’s original purpose: people helping people.”
Purdue Federal Area Sales Manager Matt Scheuer has had the opportunity to work alongside Levin since day one. Scheuer discussed how Levin’s genuine belief in Purdue Federal’s goals is what makes her a great fit for the position.
“Purdue Federal Credit Union’s goal is to be our members’ trusted financial partner for life,” Scheuer said. “Charleen truly believes this as well and looks for every opportunity to help educate our members on how Purdue Federal can help them achieve their goals.”
Scheuer also appreciates how much Levin’s background in banking has served her in carrying out the responsibilities of her position as sales manager.
“Charleen’s experience in retail banking has provided her an exceptional foothold in the area of finances, and her personal management style adheres to our core values,” Scheuer said. “She also lives in Crown Point and is excited to grow Purdue Federal in her own backyard!”
Her prior experience in banking is what has allowed her path in this industry to successfully grow year after year, but it is her current position that excites her most about the future of her professional career.
Levin is not only a goal-setter, but also a goal-reacher. Over the years, her passion for the people she serves has brought her to where she is today, but the goals don’t stop there.
“I have many goals for myself, for the overall growth of our Crown Point location, and for my team here,” Levin said. “Our location opened in summer 2019, and not long after – like many other businesses – we temporarily closed our lobby for in-person service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we never stopped moving forward, it slowed our progression. Now, we are able to participate in community events, visit local businesses, and really serve our members to the fullest. My goal here is to do just that, to let the community know we are here.”
Within Purdue Federal and her own team, Levin mentioned some of the daily activities that fill her time as sales manager.
“I usually start my day with a morning huddle to highlight team successes from the day prior and we talk about our agenda for the day and our week ahead,” Levin said. “Being so new to the credit union, my days right now are filled with lots of training and onboarding meetings. In the months ahead, my days will be spent assisting my staff with development in their careers and meeting with our members to assist them with an array of financial needs.”
Outside her professional life, Levin enjoys being with her fiancé, David, and her four daughters. Whether it’s relaxing at home, enjoying company at the dinner table, or heading to the beach, Levin and her crew love spending time together and, most of all, being outdoors.
To learn more about Purdue Federal Credit Union, head to its website at www.purduefed.com.
