Kimberly
Pare

For more than 37 years, Kimberly Pare has embodied the spirit of the credit union movement through her unwavering commitment to members, employees, and the values of people helping people. Her journey at St. Mary’s Bank began on July 25, 1988, when she was still in high school. Starting as a part-time teller, she would walk over from West High School after classes to cover evening shifts. In those early days, “automation” was limited — she remembers packed lobbies on the 1st and 3rd of the month, typing out Treasury checks by hand, selling bus tickets, and even processing traveler’s checks. Kim still recalls the energy of those nights, when the drive-up lanes were filled with conversation, laughter, and neighbors helping neighbors.

 

Kim’s journey is one of growth, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Over nearly four decades, she has served in roles from teller to senior teller, supervisor, and mentor. Through every title, her focus has never shifted: caring for members and helping others succeed. She has trained and developed countless employees, celebrating their growth as much as her own. One of her most treasured memories was coaching a shy teller who struggled with making referrals. Through role-playing and encouragement, Kim helped her find confidence. When that teller earned her promotion, Kim burst into tears of pride — a moment that still stands as a symbol of her joy in seeing others achieve their goals.

 

Her leadership has carried St. Mary’s Bank through moments of great change. She has guided her team through multiple system conversions, a major branch relocation, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. When lobbies closed and uncertainty was high, Kim made sure members felt cared for and employees felt valued. She took time to educate members on new service protocols to make them feel comfortable and heard and sent fortune cookies to fellow employees with the message, “I am fortunate to work with you.” Small gestures like these carried great meaning, reminding her colleagues that they were not alone.

 

Kim’s vigilance has also protected countless members from fraud. With endless empathy, patience, and persistence, she has uncovered many scams before it was too late — safeguarding vulnerable members from financial harm. She has faced down situations where trust was exploited and fear was used as a weapon, yet through calm conversation and steadfast care, she has helped members reclaim their security and dignity.

 

What makes Kim an Unsung Hero is not just her longevity, but her heart. She has celebrated with members as they bought their first homes, sent children to college, and welcomed new family members. She has volunteered in the community, given branch tours to scouts, and built bonds that extend far beyond the credit union walls. She is living proof of the values that founded this movement: integrity, kindness, and people helping people.

 

Kim Pare’s career is a testament to what quiet leadership can achieve. She has given her entire professional life to St. Mary’s Bank, shaping generations of employees and protecting thousands of members. Her humility and devotion remind us that the greatest legacies are often written not in headlines, but in everyday acts of service, care, and love.