Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors, Meet Maleia

With almost 15 years of working in a credit union under Maleia Brown’s belt, she knows how to help members with whatever financial issues or obstacles they face.

Maleia is now the branch manager of PACU’s Advantage Way location. She started working at a credit union in Winston-Salem while at Winston-Salem State University.

Once her then-branch manager moved to PACU, Maleia shortly followed in 2015 and has been here since.

Maleia shares her great-grandfather's advice that she applies to her work here at PACU: It’s okay to agree to disagree.

“Even though we may not see everything as we want in the financial world, that doesn't mean we can't help make a difference,” Maleia says. “In this world, many people need financial help, and some are unwilling to give second chances. I’m glad to be here at PACU, where I can encourage my team to change people’s lives as much as possible.”

Maleia believes that becoming a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor has enhanced her financial planning and enabled her to assist members more effectively. Throughout the course, she identified areas in her life that she could improve.

“It has been very beneficial for me to gain that experience alone,” Maleia says. “It adds another layer of credibility with members because we can follow up our advice with ‘let me tell you how it was for me and what I did to become more successful in my finances.’”

Her favorite part of applying her skills as a certified financial counselor is when a member comes to her thinking there’s nothing to be done, but together, they find a way.

“The best part is their face of happiness at the end of the day when we’ve come up with a plan to either consolidate all their debt with a lower rate or move and budget certain things to where they can put money back into their savings,” Maleia shares.

When it comes to finances, anxiety can often go hand-in-hand. Maleia says that her team’s primary goal is to ease the feeling of panic and be ready to help with whatever the member may need.

A fun fact about Maleia is that she loves photography. “Other than being a mom, of course,” Maleia adds with a laugh. “I enjoy being at the race track, taking pictures, editing and posting them.”

Want to ask Maleia financial questions or learn more about her photography? You can contact her at [email protected].