Estefano "Stevie" Piña

Branch Manager

Numerica Credit Union

Age: 32

Current city of residence: Kennewick

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? 6 years

Briefly describe your company:

Numerica Credit Union's core purpose is to enhance lives, fulfill dreams and build communities. These are our guiding forces in how we operate and support our members. Numerica is ranked among the top 11 credit unions in the nation with more than 169,000 members across Spokane, North Idaho, Tri-Cities and the Wenatchee Valley and over $1 billion in assets.

Education: Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with specialization in human resources, Central Washington University.

Master of Science in Management and Leadership, Western Governors University.

Certificate in financial markets, Yale University.

Briefly describe your job and how you got into it:

My position with Numerica is branch manager of our Southridge location in Kennewick. I explain my role as being a community banking resource. I use the knowledge I've gained to help guide people to financial literacy and find solutions that meet their unique banking needs. Five years ago, I was working as a branch manager in another industry when I decided I wanted to lean into my passion for personal finance and thought banking was the clear way to go. I discovered Numerica Credit Union through a friend and after researching them I saw how impactful they were in their communities and knew it was the spot for me. I have a belief that to be a leader  you need to be able to be a knowledge resource and since I have never worked in the banking industry, I decided to start fresh and enter as a service representative (teller). During my time at Numerica, I opened myself up to take feedback and dive into all the solutions we offered to our community members. I pushed myself to step outside of my comfort zones and learn as much as I could to build myself up and those around me. I worked in every branch role during these past five years, learning more and more about the operations of Numerica all while also investing in my education.

How did you earn your first dollar?

My first dollar I made was gained by borrowing my father's lawn mower and rake and going around my neighborhood when I was around 10 years old. I offered to mow and rake lawns for any amount they were willing to offer me.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

I think if I could talk to my younger self I would explain to him how life is like being a seed. A seed does most of its rapid growth underground, showing that even at your lowest point there is so much potential to grow into something great.

What was your dream job as a child?

As a child I wanted to be a police officer. I wanted to help people and in a way I get to do that still. I also hold this dream still with me by serving on the Richland Police Department Foundation Board showing my support to the people who protect our community.

What would make our community a better place to live?

I think investing in our younger generations would make our area an even better place to live. Investing in our youth is a way to invest in our future prosperity as a community.

What would your top 3 priorities to make our community a better place?

Invest in our children's education.

Invest in our small business owners.

Invest in family-friendly activities.

If you had unlimited time, what volunteer work would you be interested in doing?

If I had unlimited time, I would love to start a youth mentor program that would offer guidance and support through all of lives challenges.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

I think to achieve a healthy work-life balance is having respect for both my work time and my personal time. When I'm at work, I'm dedicated to work and also choose outside work hours strategically. When attending a work-related event, I think: is it good for my career and is it good for my family? If both are yes, I can count it as a good decision. It is also keeping my integrity with my family and knowing what the non-negotiables are with my time with them. Schedules are also a blessing!

Do you have family? Pets?

Kylie Piña - wife

Asher Piña - son

Cora Piña - daughter

Boba Piña - dog

What brought you to the Tri-Cities? Did you grow up here?

I was brought to Tri-Cities in 2016 by a previous employer to take on a management role in Richland.

Planner or procrastinator?

Procrastinator, pressure makes diamonds!

Favorite Tri-Cities restaurant?

Tip's Thai House

Most disliked food?

Cauliflower - ick!

Would your rather travel back in time or to the future?

Back to medieval times but without the diseases.