By Debra Finlayson, CHRP

As HR director for Community Savings Credit Union, Naz Kullar, CHRP was recently recognized before the broader business community on March 7, 2012 – 3^rd Annual Surrey Women in Business Awards.

The luncheon was put on by the Surrey Board of Trade at the Sheraton Guilford with Global TV’s Steve Darling as the Master of Ceremonies.  Few compliments were spared in addressing the accomplishments of the finalists, bringing Kullar’s passion and commitment to HR to the forefront.

“On behalf of the BC Human Resources Management Association, I congratulate Naz Kullar on her remarkable recognition as a professional business leader in our community,” said Simon Evans, CEO, BC HRMA.

Hard work and continuous growth has embodied Kullar’s career. Having earned a psychology degree from the University of Cardiff, she is a graduate from the Institute of Personnel Management in England.  In addition to her accomplishments since joining Community Savings Credit Union two years ago, Kullar has worked for other high profile organizations such as Cannacord, Accenture, BC Hydro and Embridge.

The passion Kullar holds for HR shines through when she speaks about her role.

“I enjoy the start to finish coaching and mentoring to shape and grow the people and organization. It is about the people – vast and varied”, said Kullar. “It is all about the grey. I enjoy knowing what the organization does and then adding value from a human resources perspective.”

The best part of her role is that it allows her to have a seat at the table where she can really make a difference in the lives of others.  As for the key to such strategic HR success, Kullar is clear. “Make sure it is measured!”

Voted one of the top 50 best places to work by The Globe and Mail, Community Savings already has a history of smart HR.  They are proud to be a living wage employer and start their employees at a higher rate to meet the cost of living demands.  Kullar’s recognition is in turn both a personal and organizational victory.

Community Savings has six branches with 30 staff in a corporate office in Surrey. It now ranks as the 16^th largest credit union in Canada with 474M in Assets in 2011. Her organization has been a Cultural Diversity Award Finalist and has come a long way since 1944 starting out as the IWA. The previous CEO had a big part in forming the organization over a span of 20 years.

Debra Finlayson, CHRP is BC HRMA’s member relations manager for the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver regions. She can be reached at dfinlayson@bchrma.org.