2024 Business Women Awards
INDUSTRY LEADER | FINANCIAL SERVICES: Eliza Lavergne
Navigant Credit Union first vice president of operations
ENSURING RHODE ISLAND’S longest-operating, member-owned credit union remains successful takes key leaders at the forefront.
Case in point: Eliza Lavergne, Navigant Credit Union’s first vice president of operations.
Lavergne started on the retail side, working directly with members in the Smithfield-based credit union’s branches. At the time, she gained a deep understanding of member needs and the importance of exceptional service, carrying that trait throughout her career. Lavergne’s talent for collaboration and problem-solving propelled her to multiple leadership positions with Navigant.
As associate vice president and branch manager, Lavergne spearheaded successful branch operations, while her expertise in process optimization led to roles as associate vice president, project manager and vice president of project management.
“I have [had] the fortune of working with colleagues who all share my dedication and commitment to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities that we serve,” Lavergne said. “We have worked together on strategic projects that have improved the efficiency, quality and profitability of our services, such as simplifying workflows and introducing new technologies.”
In her current role at Navigant, Lavergne continues leveraging her project management and process improvement skills. She advocates for innovation, streamlining operations to enhance efficiency and member satisfaction.
Lavergne’s commitment to user success and member experience shines through her efforts to lead the credit union’s training on multiple core upgrades. Lavergne continues to be a key leader in the overall conversation process, creating training materials for the organization’s massive core conversions.
This comprehensive approach ensures that the organization and its members experienced minimal impact. Her influence, leadership and planning were vital in minimizing disruption and empowering staff to excel in the new core application. Lavergne’s foresight also ensured a smooth transition for everyone involved.
“With the backing of my peers and leadership team, we have encouraged collaboration and communication across different departments and branches, creating a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect among the staff,” Lavergne said.
Lavergne also stands out as a visionary leader in Navigant’s digital transformation journey. Her strategic planning and implementation resulted in measurable efficiencies and significant cost savings across the organization. One initiative she spearheaded was the successful transition from paper-based processes to digital workflows, a move that streamlined operations and boosted productivity.
“When you think of someone who exemplifies what it takes to be a leader and team player, the first name that comes to mind is Eliza,” Navigant First Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis Jason Pise said. “She is always willing to roll up her sleeves and do what needs to be done to accomplish the mission at hand.”
Lavergne’s leadership has continued to impact the credit union’s ability to make informed decisions. Her focus on data quality has significantly improved Navigant’s data integrity. This translates to more-accurate reporting, enhanced decision-making and increased profitability for the credit union.
Also, Lavergne’s meticulous approach involves implementing data quality standards, processes and tools that ensure Navigant’s data is accurate and consistent. Colleagues say she brings this dedication to detail into her work, and the firm works better.
Lavergne is also passionate about her community. For the past three years, she has worked with the Izzy Foundation, an organization supporting children with cancer and their families. Lavergne spearheads volunteer initiatives benefiting the Izzy Family Room at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. These efforts have included lunch service programs, participation in the Izzy Gala and Golf Tournament, and annual school supply drives. Navigant’s VForce program, which grants employees paid time off for volunteering, also aligns with Lavergne’s passion for service.
Her dedication to the Providence-based nonprofit was recognized in 2021 when Lavergne received the Volunteer Spotlight Award.
Her leadership doesn’t stop at the tournament. Lavergne also actively champions this program for the Izzy Golf Tournament within the credit union, inspiring others to contribute their time to worthy causes.
