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Spotlight image for Erin Pickering, Assistant Branch Manager, Meridian Credit Union

Our Leader Spotlight | Erin Pickering

Assistant Branch Manager, Meridian Credit Union

This series is dedicated to introducing and celebrating the participants of the ACL+ 2021/22 program. Each week, we will focus on one of our leaders, sharing a little bit about them and what motivates them to explore community leadership in Niagara.

Erin Pickering is the current Assistant Branch Manager at Meridian Credit Unions’ Lake St. Branch. 

Erin was born and raised in Niagara and absolutely loves it here. She is a busy mother of two little ones at home who keep her on her toes but continues to challenge her day in and day out. 

Erin has had the privilege of working with Meridian for over 13 years, 5 of which have been in a leadership role. She graduated from Brock University with a degree in psychology and completed a post-grad certificate in concurrent disorders from Mohawk college which finally led her to Meridian in 2009. 

Being a leader to Erin is all about people, understanding how to communicate with them, how to motivate them and how to help them become the best version of themselves. Throughout her career, Erin has had individuals support her in her own personal growth, and her goal is to do the same for others. Erin has no doubts that this program will assist her in becoming a better version of herself while also investing back into the community she loves. 

Erin Pickering is looking forward to getting to know all the speakers and participants better.  She does not take this opportunity lightly and intends to gain as much insight and growth as she can throughout the upcoming months, in turn allowing her to give back to those around her and the community.

Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?

Leadership Niagara appeals to me on many different levels. 

In my current role at Meridian as an Assistant Branch Manager, I have had the opportunity to lead my team daily. I love what I do, and I feel the opportunity to take part in this will assist me tremendously. This program is rooted behind many of the values which are important to me, and I feel having the opportunity to engage and collaborate with other Leaders within Niagara while making a difference within my community is an amazing opportunity. This program will provide me to push myself outside of my comfort zone, which is something I feel I am ready for.

There is no denying the fact that 2020 and 2021 have been years that have changed the way we live our lives and do our jobs, no matter which sector we may work in. 

As I returned to work in Jan 2021 from maternity leave, an initial focus I had was to learn the changes that 2020 had brought to Meridian, the Niagara region and how I approach my day to day at work. I believe that being the chosen participant for the ACL+ Program for 2021/2022 would allow me to grow exponentially as a Leader, thus allowing me to better support my team and continue my professional growth. Upon reviewing the schedule, I see that this upcoming year the program will be completed 100% virtually again. This approach, combined with a focus on the skills required to be a successful leader in today’s changing climate, will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of Niagara and where I can make a difference.

What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?

When I think of our community, I feel we have made strides over the past few years regarding Mental Health support and resources within Niagara, specifically for youth. The new location for Pathstone Mental health within St. Catharines has provided more of a spotlight and opportunity for the community to support individuals and families, but I still feel we have a way to go. I feel as though throughout the past 18 months, mental health, specifically for youth, is a major issue facing our community and something I am very passionate about. I look forward to partnering with Pathstone throughout 2021/2022 with Meridian and hope to use the skills and contacts I gain throughout this program towards the impact I make.

What individual attributes do you hope to develop or expand upon?

I look forward to taking part in the program to further develop communication skills along with more ways in which I can become involved. Within the last four years, I have had two children, which in turn has resulted in two maternity leaves from work. Now that I am past this stage of my life, I am ready to refocus on my career and would really like to become more of an advocate within Niagara. I want to build contacts and gain the skills and confidence to allow me to participate more actively in not-for-profit organizations, specifically related to children and mental health. Perhaps a seat on a board with an organization in Niagara will be within my sights, and this program will help me better prepare and feel equipped to do so. I have a lot of passion and energy and am looking for ways in which to apply this with the most impact.


What Is ACL+?

Accelerate Civic Leadership+ is our answer to adapting our flagship Accelerate Civic Leadership (ACL) program for virtual learning. 

Designed as a tool to expand the number of individuals who accept leadership roles in business, government, and social organizations to meet future challenges in the region, ACL+ strengthens the bonds within the region. It serves as a retention and engagement tool for our Niagara businesses and non-profits.

December 14th, 2021