Sheila Felice last month was named vice president of learning and organizational development at Smithfield-based Navigant Credit Union, Rhode Island’s second-largest credit union with about $2.1 billion in assets. She is responsible for developing programs to sustain Navigant’s workforce and brand reputation.
Felice has more than 20 years of experience, previously leading the human resources and risk department at Swarovski Optik North America. She earned a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Roger Williams University and a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Rhode Island, where she also served on the university’s judiciary board. In addition, she earned a graduate certificate in human resources management from Salve Regina University.
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PBN: How will the various disciplines you studied for your degrees help you in your new position?
FELICE: I like to think my overarching portfolio of academic, professional and personal experience will help me in my new role at Navigant Credit Union. My experience in administration of justice has given me an opportunity to become educated on everything from statutes, rules and regulatory requirements as issued by state and federal agencies to general best practices when it comes to compliance – all very important areas that certainly translate to the credit union industry.
My adult education background directly relates to my new responsibility of leading Navigant Credit Union’s internal-training and workforce-development programs. I feel very fortunate to be in an exciting new position that allows me to use all the tools in my professional toolbox.
PBN: In your new job, how do you think you can have the greatest impact on the organization?
FELICE: Navigant Credit Union has been a staple in its members’ lives and in the Rhode Island business community for more than a century. The institution has thrived for this long because it invests in its people, and because its leaders and employees have been consistently committed to studying the industry, learning new skills and adapting to change. I see my role as an opportunity to carry on that commitment by helping every Navigant Credit Union employee reach their potential and grow within the organization.
PBN: What do you enjoy most about working in the human resources field?
FELICE: My job gives me an opportunity to do my best to positively impact the professional lives of the people around me. I love working directly with employees and helping them create and execute plans that will allow them to reach their career aspirations.
We spend so much time at work, and I firmly believe that employers have a responsibility to do what they can to create positive environments. Navigant Credit Union takes that responsibility seriously, and that’s why it is consistently rated among the state’s best places to work. I look forward to doing what I can to continue to build upon Navigant’s success.
PBN: Which initiatives or goals would you like to advance?
FELICE: My long-term goal is to create a fully comprehensive internal system that will provide our employees with everything they need to achieve their goals. I am working with leadership to create a forthcoming “Navigant University” that will include professional-development courses in anything from communications etiquette to leadership skills. We strongly believe that this comprehensive suite of educational programs will help our employees evolve in their roles and ultimately help them better serve our members.
PBN: Why do you volunteer with Special Olympics Rhode Island?
FELICE: You shouldn’t go through life wearing a catcher’s mitt. At some point, you need to start throwing something back. I started volunteering with Special Olympics five years ago and immediately fell in love with the organization’s leaders, staff, volunteers and – most importantly – the amazing athletes.
The organization makes a huge difference in the lives of countless people, and I’m incredibly proud to play a small role in its operations. I believe that everyone should give back when they can, and I’m thrilled to be working at Navigant Credit Union – an organization whose founding motto was, perfectly and simply, “People helping people.”
Scott Blake is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Blake@PBN.com.
