Meet Desiree – Smiles, Service & a Little Bit of Cheetah Speed

Today, we’re continuing our Humans in Finance storytelling series that celebrates the people who make banking feel a little more human with someone whose energy, laughter, and member-first mindset make a lasting impression every single day: Desiree.

Desiree is a USR-1 in Member Services - but if you ask the members who walk through our doors, she’s much more. She’s the person who “knows exactly what to do.”

The Go-To for Members

From deposits and withdrawals to loan payments, debit cards, digital banking support and more, new - Desiree does it all. But ask her what matters most in her role, and she doesn’t hesitate.

“Customer service - number one,” she says with a laugh.

For Desiree, it’s not just about completing transactions. It’s about building real relationships.

“It’s not only the members coming in. We build such a personal relationship with them. We get to know them on a first-name basis. And my team is absolutely amazing - we all try to have a good time, work together, and help all the members and each other.”

Over time, those relationships turn into something special.

“I have so many members that’ll come in and say, ‘I want to talk to Desiree. She knows what to do.’ It’s just great knowing that people count on me on a daily or weekly basis with all their finances.”

One Thing She Does Every Day

When asked what she makes sure to do every day, her answer is simple:

“Smile and laugh. That makes your day so much better. And if the member sees that you’re laughing and smiling, it makes their day better. It’s full circle.”

At USF CU, that full circle is what Better Banking for All is all about.

A Passion for Cheetahs

Outside of work, Desiree has a passion that’s fast, fierce, and a little unexpected.

“I love cheetahs so much,” she says. It all started during her first visit to Busch Gardens and riding Cheetah Hunt. From that moment on, she was hooked.

A Courageous Side

What might surprise people most?

For a few seasons, Desiree stepped completely outside her comfort zone and became a scare actor at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream. One year she played a wolf-bite victim. The next, a ghost.

“It took so much courage for me to do that,” she says. “After the first time, I was like, I love this.”

That same courage showed up again when she became a popular pirate character on USF CU’s social media.

“I’ve never done anything like that in my life. Just to have the opportunity was so much fun. My friends all over the country loved it.”

From pirates to phantoms - Desiree isn’t afraid to try something new.

What Sets USF Credit Union Apart

When asked what makes USF CU different, her answer comes quickly.

“We’re like one big family. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. It’s just nice to have such a positive work environment.”

That family atmosphere translates directly to how members are treated - with warmth, teamwork, and genuine care.

One of her most memorable days at USF CU proves it.

She sensed something wasn’t right with a member’s situation and spoke up to her managers. It turned out the member was being scammed. Because of Desiree’s awareness and action, they were able to help protect her.

“Knowing that I helped this person get out of that situation made me feel so good.”

That’s not just service. That’s advocacy.

What Success Means to Her

For Desiree, success isn’t flashy. It’s steady.

“Just doing your best every day. You may have good days and bad days, but when you have that positive outcome at the end of the day - whether it’s work or home - it’s, ‘Hey, I got through the day.’ And that puts a smile on your face.”

And if there’s one thing Desiree brings to USF Credit Union - it’s a smile.

If you’d like to join a place where people truly know you - and where you might even have a “go-to” person of your own - you can become a member today and experience Better Banking for All at USF CU.