With the holiday season now in full swing, I want to take a moment to offer my heartfelt appreciation. This time of year is a powerful reminder of the dedication that fuels our progress. Our driving force includes every member of our credit union family and every single employee. I remain deeply grateful to lead an organization partnered with so many committed individuals who advance our cooperative mission.
Speaking of our amazing team, the spotlight is back on the Enterprise Leadership Team! We’re keeping the tradition alive by sharing some of our personal holiday thoughts and traditions in response to some festive Q&A. It appears there is one particular film that over half of us feel a strong connection to, while a well-known holiday treat receives a definitive thumbs down. I’m excited for you to read our responses, including my own.
When is the appropriate time to start listening to holiday music: Before or after Thanksgiving?
Tammy Cantrell, EVP Chief Product Strategist: After Thanksgiving is the ideal time to start listening to holiday music. Kicking off the season with festive tunes during Thanksgiving weekend helps create the holiday excitement while decorating the tree and spending time with my grandkids (I’m kind of picky about how I decorate my tree, so I have to change things after they leave).
Ryan Murphy, EVP, Chief Financial Officer: In our house it begins November 1st…not necessarily by my choice, but the timing has grown on me over the years.
Melissa Ashley, President/CEO: Right after Thanksgiving. I usually put up my tree and decorations the day after the big feast, and it feels like the right time to start listening to holiday tunes.
Regina Lewie, EVP, Chief Risk Officer: Definitely after Thanksgiving. Why? Because it’s the holiday AFTER thanksgiving! That said, Christmas music should be played until January 1; why stop playing it the day after Christmas when gatherings are still happening?
Christine Mayes, EVP. Chief Member Engagement Officer: After. A month is more than enough time for ANY holiday music.
Which character from a holiday movie do you relate to the most?
Ryan Murphy: Clark Griswold.
Christine Mayes: Cousin Eddie [from Christmas Vacation]; he has a good heart and tells it like it is.
Tammy Cantrell: Right now, Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation.
Melissa Ashley: I’m basically Ellen Griswold in Christmas Vacation—trying to keep the holiday magic alive while juggling a dozen casseroles and silently praying the turkey doesn’t explode.
Regina Lewie: The mom from A Christmas Story. Having a spouse that would definitely place a leg lamp in the living room window, trying to keep the order in the home while chaos is happening around us, keeping peace in the family. Yes, I can relate a lot to that mom!
Did you sneak and find your holiday presents as a kid?
Ryan Murphy: Definitely; they were in the spare room closet.
Tammy Cantrell: Yes. My brother and I couldn’t resist the excitement and curiosity, but my mother was usually too clever and hid them well.
Melissa Ashley: Never. That would have ruined the surprise.
Christine Mayes: Of course. My brother and I would sneak down super early in the morning before breakfast and then pretend to be asleep until our parents woke us up. “Santa’s Presents” weren’t wrapped so we definitely got a sneak peek.
Regina Lewie: Of course, my sister and I snuck downstairs to make sure Santa stopped by.
Do you buy holiday gifts for your pets?
Christine Mayes: They each get a stocking full.
Ryan Murphy: We have a new puppy this year, and my daughters are VERY excited to get him gifts.
Melissa Ashley: No. We’ve never had pets because I was already running a full-time zoo—three kids, a career, and enough chaos to make a Labrador pack up and leave.
Tammy Cantrell: I currently don’t have any pets, but when I did, they each had a stocking.
Regina Lewie: No, she receives gifts throughout the year.
What’s one holiday food or drink you think is totally overrated?
Ryan Murphy: Egg nog.
Melissa Ashley: Eggnog, yuck!
Tammy Cantrell: Sweet potato casserole.
Christine Mayes: Green bean casserole.
Regina Lewie: Eggnog, yuck.
What’s one small holiday habit that makes you feel more grounded each year?
Christine Mayes: Decorating the tree. Nice quiet activity that kicks off the holiday season.
Ryan Murphy: Decorating our house and tree each year as a family is a nice reminder to slow down and stay in the moment.
Melissa Ashley: One small holiday habit that keeps me grounded is never skipping my workouts—even when the calendar is packed. The early darkness doesn’t bother me; the glow of holiday lights turns every evening walk into a peaceful, twinkly escape from the seasonal chaos.
Regina Lewie: Sitting in the living room in the evening with only the tree lights on and watching a Christmas movie, usually White Christmas.
Tammy Cantrell: One small holiday habit that helps me feel grounded each year is making sure my mother enjoys the holiday. She absolutely loves the season and spends so much time making sure everyone else is happy that she often doesn’t take time for herself. Helping her enjoy the moments she creates for others reminds me of the importance of giving back to someone who’s given so much to me.
Finish the sentence: It wouldn’t be the holidays without…
Christine Mayes: Family.
Melissa Ashley: Being with my family. I truly enjoy spending time with my loved ones and will miss a special person that I lost this past year.
Ryan Murphy: Spending time with family and watching a ton of Christmas movies.
Regina Lewie: Santa appearing at the end of the Macy’s parade!
Tammy Cantrell: It wouldn’t be the holidays without my family, especially my two granddaughters, who still believe in the magic of Santa Claus.
As we wrap up this festive Q&A, I hope you've enjoyed this annual glimpse into the holiday spirit and personal reflections of our leadership team. From all of us on the leadership team to you and your loved ones, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and cheer.