Senior Project Manager, Maggie, Celebrates 20 Years
Please join us in celebrating Maggie Bell and an incredible milestone—20 years with Kitsap Credit Union! Over the past two decades, Maggie has built a career defined by growth, collaboration, and a deep commitment to supporting both her colleagues and the organization. Starting as an Administrative Assistant supporting senior leadership, she has grown into a Senior Project Manager in our Strategic Planning Office, making a lasting impact across the credit union.
With a background in finance and a passion for behind-the-scenes operations, Maggie has played a key role in moving critical initiatives forward while building meaningful connections across teams and with business partners. As Justin Horning, Strategic Planning Director, put it, “Maggie brings both skill and heart to everything she touches.” Known for her thoughtful approach and ability to make complex work approachable, she has developed a reputation not only for delivering results, but for ensuring others feel confident and included along the way—so much so that, as Justin notes, people often ask, “Is Maggie going to be my PM?”
We asked Maggie a few questions about her time here at Kitsap Credit Union. Here’s what she shared:
When reflecting on what first brought her to KCU, Maggie shared how both her personal life and professional goals aligned. After relocating to Kitsap County with her husband to be closer to family, she knew she wanted to continue her career in finance, this time with a stronger focus on back-office operations. “My background in finance began at Washington Mutual, both in California and Seattle, and I knew I wanted to continue working in this industry, but with more of a focus on the back office,” she explained. Starting as an Administrative Assistant gave her a unique vantage point across the organization, helping her discover where she could make the greatest impact.
Over time, Maggie’s career evolved alongside the organization. She began by supporting senior leadership across IT, Marketing, and Accounting, while also assisting the Board of Directors. About a year into her role, she transitioned into the Strategic Planning Office as a Planner, where she focused on project intake, budgeting, and coordinating smaller initiatives. From there, she advanced to Project Manager and now serves as Senior Project Manager—guiding complex efforts with consistency and expertise. As Michelle Hanson, Support Services Manager, shared, “Her consistency, expertise, and dedication have made a lasting impact across our channel services,” reflecting the steady leadership Maggie brings to every initiative, from major implementations to ongoing operational improvements.
When asked about her favorite memories at KCU, Maggie didn’t point to a single milestone, but rather the relationships she’s built along the way. “The camaraderie here is truly special,” she said, highlighting how her role has allowed her to collaborate across nearly every area of the credit union. For Maggie, KCU has been a place to grow, lead, and learn, supported by a culture that encourages both success and understanding. One of her earliest experiences perfectly captured that spirit, "During my first few weeks, when I accidentally hung up on the mayor of Bremerton while trying to transfer a call to our CEO—new employee, new building, and a brand-new phone system!" said Maggie. "I immediately walked into the CEO's office to confess, and was met with laughter instead of criticism, which let me know right away that this was a safe and supportive place to work. I learned that phone system real fast!" That sense of encouragement continues to define her leadership style today, which Aly Carey, Accounts Control Director, describes as “driv[ing] initiative, accountability, and results” while elevating those around her through empathy and emotional intelligence.
It’s this balance of professionalism and warmth that has shaped Maggie’s impact over the last 20 years. Whether she’s leading a complex transformation or simply connecting with a colleague, her presence leaves people better than she found them. As Justin shared, “Walking away from a conversation with Maggie feels like stepping outside on a sunny day: you're somehow in a better mood and you're not entirely sure how she did it.”
As she reflects on two decades with KCU, Maggie is both grateful and grounded in perspective. She recognizes how quickly time can pass and emphasizes the importance of being present and supportive of one another. “Enjoy each moment and surround yourself with people who support you, while making sure you do the same for them,” she shared—a sentiment that clearly reflects how she has approached her career and relationships at KCU.
Maggie’s journey is a true reflection of dedication, growth, and the power of strong relationships. Her leadership, resilience, humor, and positivity have left a lasting mark on the organization and the people around her, and as her colleagues would agree, we are incredibly lucky to have her.
Thank you, Maggie, for your hard work, dedication, and the difference you make every day and congratulations on 20 incredible years!