(This week The Columbian-Progress spotlights Zellco Federal Credit Union Bank Teller and Loan Processor Heather Albritton.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born in Hattiesburg Nov. 4, 1988.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I went to Columbia High School and USM. I got a bachelor’s in history.
Q: What was your childhood like?
A: I had a good childhood growing up in a small town here in Columbia. I played clarinet in the band since the sixth-grade.
Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job/company.
A: I am a bank teller and loan processor at Zellco Federal Credit Union. My job entails customer service, all different types of loans and being a teller. I really enjoy my customers.
Q: What led you to your profession?
A: I was already good at customer service from working at Winn-Dixie prior to coming into banking. I really just enjoy the people in this community, so I figured this would be a better way to interact with them and help them. I wanted to have the ability to move up after starting out as just a teller. I’ve tried to learn everything that I could to help people get loans. I wanted to advance my career, and banking allows that.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I enjoy interacting with the members that come in. I enjoy helping them with their loans. I really enjoy interacting with people every day.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
A: Trying to get people approved for a loan and multitasking. Sometimes I have to do several things throughout the day like helping customers on the phone, going into my loan office and working on the ATM. I might have three or four things going on at once, and you really have to make sure everything is accurate and running smoothly.
Q: What advice would you give someone considering your career path?
A: Just remember that your members are the most important whenever you’re working a credit union, and you’re here to serve them. Don’t make them feel like they’re just a number. You need to make them feel important and make sure you provide the best service to them every day.
Q: Who is the person who has been most influential in your life?
A: My mom, Beverly Fairburn, because she really encouraged me to go to college and was really supportive when I wanted to get into banking. I call her every day so she still has an impact.
Q: What is your spouse’s name? What does he do for a living?
A: Troy Albritton. He is a call dispatcher with Southern Tire Mart.
Q: Do you have children?
A: I have two, Wyatt and Ava Grace.
Q: If you could have anything for your last meal on earth, what would it be?
A: I’d want a big burger from Mugshots with sweet potato fries.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I’ve always wanted to go to London and Paris and tour Europe.
Q: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I like to go to the beach, spend time with my kids and be outdoors. I don’t have a lot of time for much, though.
Q: What do you enjoy about Columbia and Marion County?
A: I like that it’s a small town, and it’s a really good community.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone from your life or history, who would it be and why?
A: I would want to have lunch with my grandmother, Mavis Powell, who is gone now. If I could have one last conversation with her, that would be amazing.
Q: If you didn’t have to worry about money, what would you do all day?
A: I would travel and see the world. I would travel all over if I didn’t have to worry about money. I would take my kids and husband and just see the world. That would be so much fun.
Q: Would you rather read a good book or watch a good movie and why?
A: I would actually rather read a good book. I like to read the book then watch the movie. I love reading all different kinds of books. My favorite author would probably have to be John Grisham.
Q: What moment in your life has had the biggest impact on who you are today?
A: Having kids because that adds a lot more responsibility. That was a turning point for me. I really enjoy my kids, taking care of them, providing for them and watching them grow and learn.
Q: If you could describe your morals in three words, what would they be?
A: Honesty, prioritizing (remembering what is really important) and professionalism. I try to set a good example.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: I’d want to be remembered as a caring and reliable person that was always there to help someone in need.
— Joshua Campbell
Pictured Above: Zellco Federal Credit Union’s Heather Albritton says she loves interacting with members. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
