Employee Spotlight - Maureen Pergola
Mar 08, 2021
In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, our 2nd Employee Spotlight recognizes Maureen Pergola, Senior Vice President & Director of Core Banking. She spoke with Kristen from our Marketing Department about her many accomplishments, the women who inspire her and offered advice to other working moms.
Kristen: Take us on a journey through your career at MFS.
Maureen: I have been with Maspeth Federal for about 32 years. I started as a teller, then transitioned to the Loan Center. There I learned many aspects of lending, including credit analysis and met one of my first mentors, Jim Batridge. At the time, he was an IT consultant. He immediately recognized my interest in technology and recommended that I move to the IT department, which I was happy to join. After 13 years in IT, I moved on to become the Director of Core Banking (formally known as Operations Support). I was recently promoted to Senior Vice President at the beginning of this year.
Kristen: Congratulations on your promotion! Well deserved. What is your favorite part about working for MFS?
Maureen: There are so many things I like about working for Maspeth Federal but my favorite thing is the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues. We work well as a team and they inspire me daily. I also appreciate that MFS goes above and beyond to recognize their employees.
I feel very lucky to work for a bank that values and appreciates hard work.
Kristen: What projects are you currently working on?
Maureen: I work on various technology projects, so my days are both interesting and challenging. As MFS continues to invest in new technology and products, I expect I’ll be working on many new and exciting projects in the future. In my earlier years with Operations Support, I worked on the implementation of our Online and Mobile banking platforms, Remote Deposit Capture and our Loan Origination software. Recently, I’ve worked on the replacement of our ATMs and added new features to our Online & Mobile banking channels such as eStatements, Zelle and the MX Finance Management tool to name a few.
Kristen: What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Maureen: I have worked on many important projects but the most challenging and rewarding was my position as Project Manager for the bank’s core conversion project. This project took a significant amount of time and planning so stay-at-home orders prompted by COVID-19 created a challenge. I had to adapt to telework as we transitioned this to a remote project and find creative solutions to complex pieces of this project. As Project Manager, my goal was to ensure the success of the new system, while maintaining our daily business activity. The position tested my communication, leadership, and time management skills and taught me many valuable lessons. I credit my success to the great teams we have at MFS and our resiliency to push forward when challenged. I am very proud to have led this project, it truly was a huge accomplishment for all involved.
Kristen: As a working mom, what has been the most challenging part of your job? How did you overcome these challenges and what advice would you give to other working moms?
Maureen: The most challenging part of my job is managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines. Recently, Covid-19 tested my ability and resiliency, especially as a working mom. I was further challenged with managing my priorities with my son’s schoolwork. Motherhood is never easy but add the pandemic and remote work on top of all of that? It’s a rollercoaster. I wish I could say that I am super successful at helping my 6th grader with remote schooling but it’s challenging. My advice to other working mothers is to give yourself and your kids a break. It’s okay if things aren’t perfect. Do what’s best for you and your family in each moment.
Kristen: With this being International Women’s History Month, I’d like to ask if there any women in your life who have inspired you and why?
More than one woman has been influential in my life. My mother and three sisters taught me the power of hard work and perseverance. They empowered me to set goals and believe in myself. As a child, watching my mom go to work then come home to care for the family is something I draw on as a working mother. My sisters have overcome many obstacles and inspire me to always push through as well. I am happy that my son has positive and strong female influences in his life.
Kristen: Thank you, Maureen & congratulations again on your promotion! You are a great role model to other women in the banking industry.
Maureen: Thank you, Kristen!
Stay tuned for our next Employee Spotlight feature!