SARAH Furman
Company: Heritage Family Credit Union
Title: SVP Business Services
Age: 29
Career Highlights: The career highlight I am most proud of is when I was promoted to Senior Manager at Heritage Family Credit Union. After receiving a Master’s Degree in Accounting at Siena College, I 
started working at a bank and fell in love with the financial industry. Shortly after working at the bank, I realized I wanted to do more for people and the community and that is when I found my place at Heritage Family Credit Union. I was able to grow with the Credit Union and 
I had many great mentors along the way that supported and inspired my journey.
Community Involvement: The community of Rutland is very important to me and I am involved in many different non-profits in the area. I am currently the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce Vice President and I plan to be president next year. Being able to work with the Rutland business community as well as marketing the Rutland area is a passion of mine. Small business owners work extremely hard and I love to hear their stories and do whatever I can to help them. I have been an active member in the Rutland South Rotary Club for 5 years. I have been on the board of directors for 3 years and on the public awareness committee. Rotary gives back to our community in so many ways and it is amazing to see the difference we make in people’s lives. I am a Rutland Young Professional which has really grown in size. The young professional group allows me to network with other “rising stars” in Vermont and give back in different ways. I try my best to attend many different community events in Rutland County. It is important to support all the different events and fundraisers to better Vermont. I have volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Boys and Girls Club, Mentor Connector, United Way, Salvation Army and many more organizations. In high school, I was the president of our rotary interact group and was able to travel to Jamaica to volunteer at a local orphanage. It was a life changing experience. I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and I look forward to doing more each day.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? I grew up in a large Vermont family and the community IS your family in Rutland, VT. I feel privileged to be able to provide a life for my children in a county that I am proud to be part of.
Favorite part of your job? My favorite part about my job is being able to assist in making a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. I love that my work allows me to be active in the community and support local businesses. I am continuously gaining knowledge and I really enjoy being able to work in a strategic environment. I also have an amazing team that I get the pleasure of working with every day!
What is the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I have received is that “Feedback is the breakfast of champions” – Joe Fusco. I truly believe that I have grown as a person just by asking for feedback from my managers, peers, employees and family. What you communicate may not be interpreted the way you intended and allowing for feedback will help you recognize this!
What three words best describe you: Driven. Dedicated. Personable.
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity is anything I get to do with my 14-month-old daughter.
