Job Role: Benefits Compliance Coordinator
Department: Office of General Counsel
Tell us a bit about yourself. How would your friends and family describe you? What are you passionate about?
I am originally from Charlotte, N.C., and relocated to Virginia almost four years ago. I am currently in school, earning my MBA from the University of Maryland. My friends would describe me as someone who is outgoing, easy to get along with and someone who doesn’t give up easily. When I am not working or studying for school, I love to read, cook, travel with friends and family. I also have a little bit of a shopping addiction!
Describe your career at NRECA. What is the core function of your current role, and how does it support the mission of the organization?
I work on the Project and Retirement team in the Office of General Counsel. My main job functions include completing Triage and Non-Discrimination testing for 401(k) plans, preparing new Summary Plan Description and Summary of Material Modifications, as well as Adoption Agreements when needed, and working with the Benefits team to process Qualified Medical Child Support Orders for cooperative employees.
What drives you professionally, and what do you feel are the keys to professional success?
I’m motivated by others’ success, so having great mentors and a great circle of successful peers is an important key. Hearing stories of what it took for others to get where they are always pushes me to keep going. I also love to read, so continuing my education, learning and reading always seems to propel me further.
What inspires you?
My family inspires me in my personal and professional life. My mother was a single mother, and I was able to watch her work full time, take care of me and go back to school for her master’s degree in education. She has always instilled in me the importance of an education and has always motivated me to do my best in school and in my career. I try to do everything at 100% to make her proud!
What brought you to NRECA?
Someone from the Human Resources department reached out to me on my LinkedIn account about another position. I was in the process of looking for a new position, so the timing was perfect! While interviewing for that position, the Project team thought I would be a better fit for the benefits compliance coordinator position. Two years later, here I am!
What keeps you at NRECA? What is your favorite thing about your job and NRECA as an organization?
NRECA really cares about their employees. From day one, my manager has been very supportive of my education and career. You do not see that often. I feel very comfortable in my position and on my team. I look forward to continuing to grow with NRECA!
If you had a piece of advice for someone who was just entering into the job market, or starting a job search, what would it be?
Do not give up. Finding the perfect job with a company you like takes time and patience. Never get discouraged if you feel the process is taking too long, or if you are not happy with the results; keep going! Also be sure to network and use your connections. Having people who are willing to help with your search makes all the difference.