As we celebrate Altana’s 75th anniversary, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our volunteer board of directors. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in shaping our credit union into what it is today. We’re excited to introduce you to each volunteer board member to mark this special milestone. Meet Russ!
What’s your philosophy on life?
I live by this quote: “Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it.” It’s all about how you approach life’s challenges.
Where’s home for you?
Laurel, Montana, has been home my entire life. I went through the Laurel school system, graduated in 1979, and have stayed. It’s where I married my wife, Robbin, in 1982 and where we raised our daughter and son.
Where can we find you when you’re not in Laurel?
If we’re traveling, it’s usually to the mountains or Mesquite, Nevada, for a few rounds of golf. We love spending time with our daughter, son, their spouses, and our four grandchildren. Family is everything to us.
Tell us about your career.
Most of my career was spent in the Yellowstone Valley, working in the Operations Departments at the C.H.S. refinery. I retired from the ExxonMobil refinery in 2022. It’s been a fulfilling journey.
What’s your earliest memory of a credit union?
I’ll never forget walking into the Laurel Credit Union as a kid and being greeted by Ray Harris, the C.E.O. at the time. How he and the staff welcomed everyone; made me feel at ease in a room full of adults. That sense of community stuck with me.
What’s the best money advice you’ve ever received?
My dad always told me, “Pay yourself first, but always set some money aside.” It’s advice I’ve lived by. As a kid, I had chores, got an allowance, and saved up for big purchases like my first bike. That taught me the value of money and responsibility, a lesson I’ve passed down to my kids and grandkids.
Russ, you’re a grandpa! Are there any proud moments for you so far?
Absolutely! My oldest grandson is only 12, but he’s already saving for his first airplane. It’s proof that the financial lessons I’ve passed down are taking root.
What does Altana Federal Credit Union mean to you?
Altana has always been there for the people and the community. Seeing how it’s grown from the Laurel Federal Credit Union to what it is today is impressive. I’m committed to helping ensure that same opportunity for others in the future.
Russ, thank you for your dedicated service on our volunteer board of directors and valuable contributions as our Supervisory Committee Chair. Your lifelong commitment to the Laurel community and passion for financial responsibility have impacted Altana. We sincerely appreciate your wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support.
