Synergent’s mission is to “help credit unions succeed and improve the financial lives of their members.” In our monthly Employee Spotlight series, we feature one of our dedicated staff members to help you get to know the people who are working as an extension of your credit union team.
Alex Samara
Alex Samara, an Implementation & Training Analyst at Synergent, plays a pivotal role in helping credit unions navigate complex system transitions, from conversions and mergers to go-live support and staff training. With over five years of credit union experience, progressing through roles as a teller, member service representative, and training specialist, he brings firsthand insight into the challenges credit union employees face during system changes. That perspective allows him to anticipate questions, troubleshoot issues on the spot, and provide support that is both practical and actionable for credit union staff.
Since joining Synergent a year and a half ago, Samara has focused on ensuring that credit union teams are prepared, trained, and confident using the Jack Henry™ Symitar® platform. His day-to-day work ranges from coordinating training schedules and preparing documentation to leading onsite or remote sessions and supporting employees during go-live week. Every project presents new dynamics and learning opportunities, keeping his work varied and engaging.
“A typical day depends on what projects Synergent has at the time,” Samara explained. “During conversions or mergers, I meet with credit union partners and internal staff to prepare for training. Once that time comes, I hold either onsite or remote training, depending on client needs. I also attend their go-live week to help in-person.”
Between larger projects, Samara and his team help address individual training requests and develop materials that support credit union employees long after the initial sessions conclude. These resources ensure that credit union teams can maintain operational efficiency while having the materials they need to solve problems independently.
“I don’t think I’d be alone in saying our department is integral,” Samara said. “We help credit union partners get started and comfortable with our platform and help keep things running smoothly. It’s up to us to ensure every employee of every credit union that we work with feels confident using the tools that help them do their jobs.”
Each project brings its own set of people, processes, and challenges, keeping Samara engaged and expanding his perspective with every assignment. He notes that the changes he has seen have been credit union-centric, with each project presenting new requests, new faces, and new challenges. This has made his ability to adapt to each credit union’s culture and operational style a key part of his approach, making every engagement unique.
“To be honest, I never saw myself as much of a ‘teacher’ and sort of fell into the training role by being good with people—thanks, customer service skills—and good with the system,” Samara continued. “I found it fulfilling getting to meet so many different folks, help them develop their skills, and grow in their own roles.”
Currently, Samara is co-leading his first conversion project at Synergent, adding another layer to his responsibilities and continuing to deepen his expertise across systems and client interactions. This project involves coordination across multiple teams, managing timelines, and ensuring all staff are comfortable with the tools they need to succeed.
“I was asked if there’s a project I’m particularly proud of, and I can’t pick favorites among credit union partners,” Samara said, with a wink. “I will say that I’m currently co-leading my first conversion with Synergent, so I expect to feel pretty good when that one is in the books. I’m very fortunate here. I have a team I love and get along well with, and I get to do something I enjoy and find fulfilling at a company that takes care of me, and I get to travel a little bit, too.”
While there are always new things to learn, Samara understands what it is like on the credit union side.
“I worked in their shoes for a long time; I know how much there is to learning the ins and outs of Symitar and—even with that experience—there is still SO much to learn about what we offer here. Systems and processes are always evolving and changing. With my role in particular, knowing as much about our platform as possible is essential.”
Outside of work, Samara enjoys camping, live music, exploring Portland’s food and drink scene, and attending video game conventions, reflecting a personal curiosity and enthusiasm that complements his professional role.
“I’m a huge nerd with a degree in video game development,” Samara shared. “I try to attend at least one convention a year. It’s a fun way to explore such a creative, lively, and welcoming community not too dissimilar to the one we work with each day now that I think about it. Maybe that’s why I gravitate toward this kind of work.”
