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.
Shelley Millett
Shelley Millett’s journey at Synergent spans nearly two decades, during which she has become a trusted expert in core conversions and a key leader within the company. As Team Lead on the Core Conversions and Consulting team, Millett plays a pivotal role in managing complex system transitions. She guides both credit unions and her team through the process, ensuring that each project is completed efficiently and effectively.
Over the years, Millett has held a series of roles that steadily broadened her skillset and perspective. Beginning at entry-level before progressing to technical and analytical positions, she built a foundation that strengthens her leadership today. Each step deepened her understanding of fintech solutions, the ins and outs of the conversion process, and the most effective methods for supporting credit unions.
“I’ve been with Synergent since July of 2007,” Millett shared, reflecting on her long tenure. “I started out on the frontline as an Associate, worked my way up to Software Specialist, then to Professional Services, followed by a role as Conversions Business Analyst, and on to my current role as Team Lead. All of this experience and time has made me a strong Synergent employee.”
Versatile Expertise: Guiding Teams with Credit Union Insight
Millett’s current role requires a combination of leadership and technical expertise, and she excels in both areas. Her daily responsibilities revolve around supporting her team and managing conversions. Whether she’s answering questions from her team or conducting in-depth analyses of core data, Millett ensures every project remains on schedule and meets all requirements.
“Since I have started in this new role of Team Lead for Core Conversions and Consulting, my day consists of checking in with my team—who are all relatively new—to see if they need any support or guidance. It also consists of attending meetings, reviewing deadlines, and answering numerous questions. I also have ongoing conversion work, which includes reviewing data, Symitar setup, testing custom code, and more.”
Versatility is one of the traits that sets Millett apart. Her background in finance, lending, real estate, and customer service naturally complements her current work. Each of these fields has given her a solid foundation for understanding the diverse needs of credit unions and the unique challenges they face during core system changes. Millett approaches each project with a fresh perspective and has the wisdom to recognize when to turn to others for insight.
“I am one of the few Business Analysts who can perform a dual conversion role,” Millett noted. “I can either do the share or the loan role. I have knowledge in how the conversion process works, how various products work, and how Synergent works. Sometimes, if you don’t know the answer to a question it’s about knowing who to ask or how to dig to find it. All of that comes with time and a good mentor.”
Empowering Teams for Seamless Transitions
Supporting credit unions through every step of the conversion process is a key focus for Millett. By thoroughly understanding each credit union’s unique needs, she delivers tailored solutions that address their specific challenges. Whether working closely with her team or collaborating with credit union staff, Millett offers system insights gained over time to facilitate smooth transitions.
“My role provides our credit unions with years of experience,” Millett emphasized. “I ask a lot of questions to understand their business needs, offering insight and recommendations on the best solutions available.”
Millett finds great satisfaction in the teaching aspect of her role. Whether it’s leading her team through the complexities of conversions or explaining core functionality to credit unions, sharing her knowledge is one of the most fulfilling parts of her job. By helping others understand the systems and processes involved, she contributes to the success of each project while also supporting her team’s ongoing development.
“The highlight of my career so far is becoming Team Lead, where I have the opportunity to mentor my team and help them grow,” Millett shared proudly. “Working with credit unions and my team to teach them how the system works and the full range of possibilities it offers is incredibly rewarding.”
Balance in Life, Strength in Leadership
While professional growth is important to Millett, she equally values staying active and spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, walking, and scrapbooking, all of which help her recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Spending time with her loved ones is a priority, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
With her depth of experience, collaborative mindset, and dedication to fostering the success of others, Millett plays a vital role in Synergent’s core conversions process. Her leadership and steady guidance continue to strengthen both her team and the credit unions she supports every day.
