Mike Parobec recently joined the PPJV team as Engagement Manager based in Saskatchewan. Read our Q&A with Mike to learn more about the newest addition to the PPJV Client Engagement Team.
What brought you to PPJV? And tell us a bit about your professional journey before joining PPJV.
Prior to joining PPJV, I have had many years of experience working at credit unions. My credit union journey started at Yorkton Credit Union as a summer student, and over the years it evolved into leadership positions at Westoba Credit Union, Cornerstone Credit Union and Conexus Credit Union, where I had the opportunity to lead retail teams in a variety of rural and urban communities.
In addition to working in the Canadian credit union system, and a couple Canadian banks, I have also led a retail branch team at Westpac Bank in Australia, which gave me a unique perspective on banking in another country. I recently reached a point in my career where I was wanting to stay in the credit union system, while applying my skills and experience to support credit unions in a different way. PPJV was the perfect fit.
What’s your role at PPJV?
My role as Engagement Manager involves building and nurturing relationships with our client credit unions. Supporting them by connecting regularly to update them on important updates, news, and changes, working alongside them to ensure they have the support needed from PPJV to serve their membership, and being a point of contact for feedback and support.
We know you’ve only been here a short time. But based on initial conversations and connections, have you identified any areas of focus or priority?
My initial client portfolio will be the 25 NCL credit unions located in Saskatchewan. I look forward to engaging with each of them and ensuring they have the support, attention and voice they need to be successful.
Which part of the Prairie Payments mission do you connect with?
I love the cooperative aspect and have been proud to work at credit unions for the majority of my career. Credit unions have a history of being at the forefront of innovation, and being a part of helping credit unions modernize payments excites me. Being in a role in which I am able to support credit unions through PPJV and help them serve their members is fulfilling.
How long have you lived in Saskatchewan? What’s the best part about life there?
I was born in Saskatchewan and have lived here almost all my life. I moved away from the province twice before, but was quickly drawn back each time. I love the fresh air, the slower pace of life and the sense of community. I love spending time doing outdoor activities such as golfing, biking, walking, fishing and playing pickleball, and Saskatchewan is a great place for all of that. I currently live in Saskatoon and have lived in other Saskatchewan communities such as Yorkton, Humboldt and Wynyard.