Profile: Elizabeth Modersohn, Westoba Credit Union
Elizabeth Modersohn
VP, IT & Operational Excellence, Westoba Credit Union
Career:
Start in the credit union system: 2017
After graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science – Engineering degree, Elizabeth started in the Food Manufacturing Industry as an Industrial Engineering Analyst. Over the years, she moved into various positions including Senior Industrial Engineer, Six Sigma Black Belt, and Senior Six Sigma Black Belt. Her work experience primarily focused on work standards, process improvement (automation and robotics), and change management.
During Elizabeth’s time in the Food Manufacturing Industry, she attained her Professional Engineer designation (P.Eng.). The Engineer-in-Training program is a four-year program focused on applying theory to practice and culminates with a national exam. Elizabeth earned her P.Eng. designation in 2007 and maintains it today.
In 2017, Elizabeth transitioned to the Financial Services Industry, joining Westoba Credit Union as Project Management Office & Continuous Improvement (PMO & CI) Lead. The transition to the credit union system and completely new industry was a significant change for her. Westoba presented an exciting opportunity, pushed her out of her comfort zone, and challenged her to grow her skillset. Since then, she has held the following positions: Director, Operational Excellence and VP, IT & Operational Excellence.
In 2018, Elizabeth earned her Project Management Professional designation (PMP), and PROSCI Change Management Professional certificate. She expects to complete her Executive Master of Business Administration (eMBA) degree in the Innovation Leadership stream from the University of Fredericton in April 2023.
In her current role as VP, IT & Operational Excellence, Elizabeth’s umbrella of responsibility includes Information Technology, Business Process Support, Human Resources, Property Management, Project Management Office and Continuous Improvement. Her career path has taken her on many different adventures. Elizabeth says she is grateful for all the opportunities afforded to her and hopes to continue this amazing ride.
A typical day:
To kick-start the morning, Elizabeth begins the day with an exhilarating spin workout. No matter what the day holds, she knows she has already accomplished a hard workout on her stationary bike. Small wins are important!
Elizabeth says her typical workday is never the same. However, her favourite days are spent collaborating with team members to improve the organization for their membership. She loves when passionate individuals get together to work towards common goals; you can feel the excitement in the air!
Keys to success:
Elizabeth says the biggest contributing factor to her success is continuously learning and being open to trying new challenges. She says she is privileged to have strong mentor relationships to help guide her in her career. Elizabeth’s mentors are her sounding boards, they share their life lessons and continually challenge her to strive for excellence.