Rosalie Smith joined the Legacy team when she was fresh out of college in 1978. She began her career as a teller, and worked her way up through branch operations. Mrs. Smith held roles as a Branch Manager, VP of Branch Administration, and VP of Member Engagement. In 2021, Rosalie transitioned to her current role as SVP of Administration, where she oversaw the Marketing, HR, and Training departments. On May 31, 2023, Rosalie retired from Legacy Credit Union with 45 years of loyal service.

We sat down with Rosalie to discuss her years at Legacy.

Which role has been your favorite?

• That is hard to say. There are aspects of each job that I loved.  However, one of my favorite responsibilities has been training employees.  It is satisfying to see others learning and developing in their career.

Have you had a mentor, boss, or colleague that helped shaped you professionally?

• Yes, several mentors in my career were very instrumental in my development.  I was encouraged to do things outside of my comfort zone, which helped me tremendously.

What is a Legacy memory that makes you laugh?

• There are so many funny memories with co-workers and members!  One funny memory is we were dressing up for Halloween that year and our management meeting fell on Halloween.  None of the managers wore a costume. I came to the meeting dressed as Cruella De Ville, my face painted, a white/black wig, holding a stuffed Dalmatian.   The CEO made a comment about the new employee.

What are you most looking forward to in retirement?

• Spending more time with my sweet family.

What do you think you will miss most about Legacy?

• My co-workers of course!

How would you sum up your career at Legacy, and what advice would you give employees starting their journey?

• I have loved my time at Legacy, and am proud of the company it has become.  I am humbled and honored to have been a part of this process.  Make the BEST of EACH day, because it goes by fast and none of us are promised another day on this Earth.  Attitude is everything, and if you don’t have a passion for what you are doing, search for your passion!  I have been blessed with my time at Legacy and am looking forward to the next season in my life.  Peace and blessings!  God is so good!

Throughout her time at Legacy, Rosalie has influenced the lives and careers of many employees. Emmett Colston, AVP of Branch Administration said, “I met Rosalie at 19 years old when I started with the credit union.  She was always very sincere and encouraging to me as a young man learning the ropes of a financial institution.  Though I knew she did not play favorites, you could not help the feeling that you meant a lot to her.  I still have the email from October 29^th, 2001 when she announced that I would be the newest branch manager at the Montclair location (that was a special day for me).  Rosalie will forever be someone who played a part in my professional career, which I am grateful for.”

Jenna Floore, AVP of Human Resources remembers, “When I came in for my second interview, I quietly signed in at the front desk. The receptionist asked who I was there to see, and I said Rosalie. Right about that time, a woman sporting a spiffy pants suit walked out from the back office and said “Did you spell my name right?” I’m sure I looked like a deer in headlights! She quickly let out her contagious laugh and I felt at ease. Thankfully, she hired me and was a wonderful supervisor through my years or being a travel teller. I have been fortunate to work under her guidance once again in HR for the last several years. She has been both a mentor and friend to me, and I will never forget the impact she has had on both my professional and personal life. Her loyalty, spunk, and leadership will be next to impossible to match. She has played an instrumental role in making Legacy such a great place to be! Congratulations on your retirement, Rosalie!”

Rosalie is the type of person that brings the party wherever she goes. Her energetic and spirited personality are well known throughout the Legacy team. If you were lucky enough to work closely with Rosalie, you know she’s the type of mentor who is always in your corner, cheering you on and lifting you up. Legacy has been so fortunate that Mrs. Smith chose to spend her 45-year career with us, and Legacy is all the better for it.

Rosalie, thank you for your many years of service and dedication. You will be greatly missed. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!