River City Six – Katlynn Pyatt

Meet Katlynn Pyatt, marketing manager at Centris Federal Credit Union (www.centrisfcu.org).

Tell us a little about your business.

When the banks in town weren’t meeting their needs, workers at an Omaha telephone company started a credit union in 1934 with just $49 in deposits and seven members. Today, Centris is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution. Our members’ financial well-being is our first priority.

How did you get started in the business?

I graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) with a degree in advertising from the College of journalism and mass communications. I started as the marketing assistant at Centris and have had the privilege of working my way up to the manager role. I have a real passion for marketing/advertising as an industry, and have been able to apply that passion to a variety of roles within the marketing department here at Centris.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

I worked on obtaining a professional certification from Cornell University (Data Driven Marketing), while also preparing to go out on maternity leave with my youngest daughter. It taught me a lot about time management, but also about my ability to accomplish something really awesome at a time when I think most women are told to start pulling back in their careers or taking on less professionally.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve done to enhance our marketing team. When I moved in to the manager role, I introduced a more robust marketing planning process that better aligned us with the production goals of our various lines of business. It allowed us to be more strategic in our promotion campaigns.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have a husband, Eric and two children, Hudson (5) and Nora (2).

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

If I’m not spending time with my husband and kids (usually at the zoo), I love to explore boutiques or to get a mani/pedi! As of late, my husband and I have been tackling several home renovation projects.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

During my time at UNL, I was on the flagline in the Cornhusker Marching Band. For several years after I graduated, I choreographed for my high school’s flagline. It’s something I miss doing dearly because it was another creative outlet for me, I got to share my love of music and help create the same positive experience for high school students that I was fortunate to have when I was that age.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and how you do it.” –Maya Angelou.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

I am a teammates mentor and a Scrubs Ambassador at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. I’m particularly passionate about Children’s Hospital because my daughter was hospitalized there when she was four weeks old with bacterial meningitis.

What is your favorite movie?

I’ve never really grown out of loving Mean Girls, but I’d also have to say I’m a sucker for The Blind Spot.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Billy Joel! I played piano for 13 years and I used to play his songs for recitals. I recently went to see him play at Madison Square Garden.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 758-6521; Email: kdutkiewicz@centrisfcu.org; Website: www.centrisfcu.org.