Meet Nancy Watson-Pistole, CCE.

Nancy graduated front Central Missouri State University with an Associate's degree in 1978, and immediately started working in administration for a manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings. Within a year, she transferred to the Credit Department and was asked to learn accounts receivable duties. With the support of the company, she returned to college lot her Bachelor's degree; then moved into a Credit Representative position. While serving in this role, she completed her B.S. degree in Business Administration, graduating Summa Cure Laude.

After 14 years, she moved to the healthcare industry as a Credit Representative. It was in this position that she feels she enhanced her customer service skills-where clients and customers had critical healthcare needs. Her goals after leaving the construction industry were to "enroll in the CAP classes, complete my certification and move into a management position." True to her goals, she completed the CAP classes after working in the healthcare industry for a year. Within the next year, a management opportunity arose within the pork division of a major trading company: despite her lack of credentials, she applied for the management position and was hired. She then completed her CCE within a year after starring in the meat industry.

After a few years, her current employer recruited and persuaded her to make another change (within the same industry) and she joined the PSF Management Team. She has now worked for Premium Standard Farms, Inc. for six years as Credit Manager, and is responsible for all credit and collection responsibilities, both domestic and international. Premium Standard Farms, Inc. is the second largest hog producer and the sixth largest pork processor in the country. "Having worked in a variety of industries, I was able to use techniques and practices that could be adapted in other industries for creative solutions to issues or problems," says Nancy. "In addition, the initial accounts receivable knowledge was an important building block in the foundation of my career in credit management." Nancy is now in her 24th year in the credit field, having spent 10 years in management.

"Once I started in management and completed my CCE," says Nancy, "I knew it would be a challenge to stay ahead of the changing times. Education would need to be a prevalent word in my vocabulary. I joined CFDD to benefit from the educational opportunities and started serving on the Board to further my leadership and management skills." Nancy has remained with CFDD as her career has progressed, stating "I just completed my two year term as President of the Kansas City Chapter and will continue to be active and participate in opportunities locally, and as an Area Director on the National CFDD Board." She attributes this partly to the fact that early in her membership, she received support and encouragement from Deb Hollins, CCE. "She provided me with guidance and leadership and ignited the passion and enthusiasm I have for the credit profession."

Nancy joined NACM Kansas City as a primary member in 1995 and joined the Meat Packers of America Trade Group (NACM Ohio) at the same time. She's served on the Executive Committee since 1999, and now serves as ...