South Kitsap Branch Manager, Dez Bates Celebrates 5 Years

Please join us in wishing a Happy 5-Year Anniversary to Dez Bates, who celebrated this incredible milestone with Kitsap Credit Union last week! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dez for her dedication, hard work, and the positive energy she brings to KCU every single day. Her commitment to our mission and the significant impact she’s made on both our team and community is truly inspiring. We’re so grateful to have Dez on our team!

In honor of her anniversary, we sat down with Dez to learn more about her journey here at Kitsap Credit Union. Here’s what she shared:

When asked what brought Dez to Kitsap Credit Union, she recounted attending Credit Union Day in Olympia with her previous insitution when she heard KCU's VP of Member Experience speak, "I heard Laura speak about KCU and the credit union movement," she said. "It was inspiring!" While she lived in Gig Harbor at the time, Dez found an opening for Assistant Branch Manager at our Belfair Branch and applied that night.

An inspiring example of the career opporuntities available at KCU, Dez started as Assistant Branch Manager and later became Branch Manager at our Belfair location. Her excellent management skills led her to manage our Float Team, Harborside and East Bremerton locations, and our South Kitsap Branch, where she is located now. "I’ve worn a few different hats at KCU!" said Dez. "And I also serve as the Chair of the DEIB Committee."

When we asked Dez what her favorite memories have been so far, she shared, "I’ve had so many great memories—from walking in parades to helping with COVID protocols and assisting members outside. But my favorite memories are the ones that make me laugh the most—I'm terrified of gnomes, and every staff member I’ve worked with has made it their mission to 'torture' me with gnomes! Even former employees come back each year to leave gnomes on my desk or hide them in my drawers. It’s become a funny and cherished tradition."

When Dez reflected on the past five years, she said, "KCU is where I’ve truly learned what kind of leader I want to be. I started here at 27, just a few months after my Mom passed away, and I was still figuring out how to lead. KCU took a chance on me, and over the past 5 years, I’ve had the privilege of leading more than 60 employees (though I’ve probably lost count!). It’s incredibly heartwarming to watch employees grow—from being fresh-faced tellers to specialists, loan servicing, and even assistant branch managers. Seeing them become the leaders I hoped they’d be is something I’m really proud of."

Happy 5 Years, Dez! Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for Kitsap Credit Union. Here's to many more years of growth, leadership, and memories!