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About GSCU
Our History
Our Mission
Meet the Team Who Drives the Granite State Credit Union Vision!
At Granite State Credit Union, we not only believe in personal, friendly service, but we practice it everyday. From your local branch teller to your mortgage representative and, yes, even the CEO, we care about our members and value your input.
"I invite you to meet our leaders - the women who drive your credit union's vision. You don't need to know us by name but don't be surprised if we get to know yours."
-Denise L. Barstow
President/CEO
Denise Barstow
President & CEO
Many members have been surprised to receive an instant response to a late-night email inquiry from Granite State Credit Union’s CEO, Denise Barstow. But those who know her recognize that she embraces an “always in touch, hands on,” approach to the way she leads the credit union and her life. Her remarkable ascent from teller to CEO, in part stems from this dedicated approach.
Denise earned her BS and MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, serves on multiple Boards of Directors, and is devoted to family and community. Born and raised in Belmont, Denise grew up on a farm tending to crops and caring for animals. Here, her sense of nurturing that has remained a touchstone in her life took root. Staying in touch with those around her and taking care of their needs is second nature. Whether running errands with her kids, spending time with her grandkids, or simply enjoying a quiet dinner with her husband at home, she remains tuned into the needs of her family... and her credit union.
Michele Plaza
Executive VP & CIO
As the mom of three college students, Michele juggles academic and athletic activities with planning the next college visit or trip to spend time with her husband, children, and family dog. Her family and children are her passion. One look at her face as she speaks of her children and you see her pride in their achievements. Michele is also a firm believer in the importance of work/life balance and the need to remain active, placing priority on both physical and financial health to be happy and successful – she encourages this amongst all GSCU staff!
Michele is a champion of the credit unions’ technology which allows us to provide 24/7 access and support and she remains connected and proactive to member needs any time - day or night. Michele has participated on the credit union’s Online and Mobile Banking vendor’s Advisory Council, providing a direct channel for member feedback to reach those responsible for development of those solutions. She currently chairs an association of credit union senior officers focused on bringing educational programs and fostering collaboration within the credit union industry. Michele understands that technology is intertwined in everyone’s lives making it easier to juggle everyday demands, while remaining passionately connected to what matters most, family.
Karen LaPlume
Executive VP & COO
In her more than 30 years with the credit union, Karen has overseen numerous areas of the organization including Consumer Lending and the Call Center. The fast-paced environment and variety of her responsibilities make GSCU the perfect fit to her. Karen is passionate about the possibilities of the journey at hand! From ensuring the best possible member-experience at GSCU, to planning her next travel adventure, she isn't afraid to dream spectacularly! She enjoys being outdoors hiking, biking, and kayaking. Karen and her husband have two grown daughters and she loves spending time with the family and friends. When asked how she has stayed with one company for so long her answer is always the same – the people she works with.
Lisa Barowski
executive VP & CFO
Not only is Lisa a long-time employee of the credit union, but she’s been a member almost all of her life as well! Lisa has overseen the Compliance and eServices areas of the credit union, but her passion is in Accounting, and she has managed that area for over 20 years. Lisa came to work at the credit union after being part of a GSCU year-end financial audit as a certified public accountant. Having worked in banking during college, followed by eight years in public accounting, she recognized and appreciated the unique culture at GSCU and took the opportunity to join the team! Lisa is a lifelong New Hampshire resident and is happiest spending time with her family. Whether relaxing at the family camp with her nieces and nephews, or picking blueberries all summer-long, family is the most important thing to Lisa. And for Lisa, the credit union has become an important extension of her family over the years. Lisa is a member of the NH Society of CPAs, as well as the AICPA. Ensuring that the credit union is financially sound and ready to assist members for years to come, is what fuels her drive to continue learning and growing with the credit union.
What Makes Us Different?
There are many choices when it comes to money: save or spend, invest in stocks, use a credit card or a debit card—the list goes on. But where do you put your money? Bank or Credit Union? How do they work and how do you choose one?
Member Vs. Customer
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As a member of GSCU, you are a voice of the credit union, and an owner, not just a customer! Your suggestions, feedback, and opinions matter! Each member has a vote at the credit union's Annual Meeting of the Membership.
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At a bank, you are a customer. Customers at a bank do not have any ownership interest and they cannot participate in Annual Meetings.
Non-profit vs. for-profit
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Credit unions are member-owned, non-profit financial cooperatives that offer a full range of financial services to their members. The earnings of a credit union, minus operating expenses, are returned to members in the form of higher dividend rates on deposits and lower interest rates on loans.
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Banks on the other hand are for-profit organizations using their resources to maximize earnings. Like other for-profit companies, banks distribute earnings only to shareholders in the form of dividends.
Benefits of GSCU
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GSCU offers more personalized customer service and is more flexible considering your credit history and your personal story.
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Members receive higher dividend rates on savings accounts, lower interest rates on loans, and lower fees.
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GSCU focuses on financial education and seeing their members thrive in life. At GSCU, we strive to reduce financial stress and empower our members to successfully manage their finances, by providing the tools and resources needed to navigate the path to financial success! We’re here to help you. When you succeed, we succeed.
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We roll up our sleeves and support our community. We believe in giving back and helping the communities we serve prosper.
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Your deposits at GSCU are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Individual Retirement Accounts or IRAs are insured separately up to $250,000 each.
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Members can take pride and comfort in the fact that decisions are made locally. As a member your voice matters!
Credit unions work together.