Angela Nowling
Angela Nowling is a seasoned banking and finance professional with over 18 years of experience in the industry since graduating college in 2006. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Eastern Branch Operations at Michigan First Credit Union, overseeing all Eastern Branch operations, business development teams, and approximately 120 direct reports. Angela’s career has spanned credit card sales, branch management training, branch management, lending management, and regional sales and service leadership. She is recognized for her ability to coach and develop high-performing teams, set organizational goals, and lead initiatives that enhance both operational efficiency and member experience. Throughout her career, Angela has built expertise across credit analysis, lending, compliance, audit, and financial management. In her previous role as Regional Sales and Service Manager, she helped set credit union-wide goals, developed multiple teams, and contributed strategically to organizational growth. Today, she oversees team leader coaching, interviewing and hiring for branch locations, handling escalations, and representing the credit union at community events. Angela thrives on leading operations that balance financial discipline with a commitment to serving members, particularly those underserved by traditional banks. What Angela enjoys most about her work in the credit union sector is the ability to provide meaningful financial access to individuals and families that might otherwise be overlooked. By focusing on relationships rather than just credit scores, she helps members achieve goals such as financing a car or obtaining loans through the credit union’s mortgage company—opportunities many traditional banks would not offer. Angela’s passion for serving her community, combined with her extensive experience and leadership skills, has made her a respected leader and advocate for financial inclusion in the credit union world.
• Leadership Academy certification (3 years)
• University of Phoenix - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General
• The University of Olivet - Bachelor's Degree, Accounting and Finance
• Leadership Academy Mentor (served 2 years)
• Michigan First Way Award (received 2 years)
• Eta Psi Kappa Sorority (Alumni Board President)
• Mentoring college students on financial literacy through Eta Psi Kappa Sorority
What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to my drive and determination to succeed. From an early age, I knew I wanted to go to college and achieve something meaningful, and I never gave up on that goal. My inspiration came from my grandfather, who served as a principal in the Kalamazoo Public Schools. He always emphasized the importance of education, believing it to be the key to success. He taught me that learning never stops, and that continuing to educate yourself is essential. His example inspired me to stay focused, work hard, and value education as the foundation for achieving my goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I firmly believe in never giving up and finding the positive in every situation. It’s easy for people to dwell on the negative or focus on what’s going wrong, but I choose a different approach. I was always taught to stay positive and seek the good in everything. By doing so, you not only maintain perspective but also create better outcomes.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You are in charge of your career. It requires drive, motivation, and perseverance. Always strive for excellence, and progress will follow. There will be times when you face rejection, but a “no” is not the end—it’s an opportunity to learn, understand the reasons, and determine how to move forward stronger.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In my field, continuous evolution is essential. With the rapid advancement of technology, including innovations such as artificial intelligence, the industry is constantly changing. To remain relevant and competitive, it is important to stay informed about emerging trends and be willing to adapt. Embracing change and ongoing learning allows professionals to grow and ensures we can effectively meet the demands of a rapidly evolving landscape.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of the values I consider most important. It means consistently doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Our choices define who we are, and every decision we make carries consequences. Because of that, I believe it is essential to act with honesty and accountability in all aspects of life.
Equally important to me is keeping God at the center of my life. My faith helps guide my decisions and reinforces the values and principles I strive to live by each day.