Her Story
About Natalie
Natalie Harrison, CBA, is a seasoned credit and accounts receivable professional with approximately 20 years of experience in commercial credit management, credit risk assessment, and customer account solutions. She currently serves as a Senior Credit Representative in the agriculture industry, where she manages credit limits, evaluates financial information, oversees collections, and supports customer relationships across an eight-state territory. Throughout her career, Natalie has built a reputation for balancing sound credit decisions with practical business solutions that help protect organizational assets while fostering long-term customer partnerships.
Natalie began her career in lower-level accounting support, handling invoicing and day-to-day accounting functions before discovering her passion for credit management. Encouraged by a mentor to join the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) and the Credit & Financial Development Division (CFDD), she developed a strong professional network that helped shape her career path. She earned a Bachelor of General Studies in General Business from Fort Hays State University and became a Credit Business Associate (CBA). Her dedication to continuous learning and leadership has led to progressive roles in credit management across multiple industries, culminating in her current senior leadership responsibilities.
Beyond her professional career, Natalie is an active leader and volunteer within the credit profession. She has served as National Chair of the Credit & Financial Development Division (CFDD) and previously held the role of Vice Chairman of Education & Scholarships and Chair-Elect of the National Board. She is passionate about mentoring emerging professionals, promoting continuing education, and strengthening the credit community through volunteer service and industry engagement. Guided by the values of consistency, honesty, and respect, Natalie is committed to helping businesses manage risk responsibly while encouraging the next generation of credit professionals to embrace lifelong learning and professional involvement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Natalie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible network of credit professionals and mentors I have built through the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) and the Credit & Financial Development Division (CFDD). Their guidance, encouragement, and willingness to share their experiences have helped me navigate important career decisions, challenged me to grow professionally, and inspired me to continually reach my full potential.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is, "If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you." I first heard this from Ellen during my first professional conference, and it has remained a guiding principle throughout my career. It reminds me to embrace new challenges, continue learning, and view every opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering the credit and finance profession to take full advantage of networking opportunities by becoming involved in professional organizations such as NACM. Building meaningful relationships with experienced professionals can open doors to mentorship and career growth. I also believe it is important to continuously invest in your education, pursue professional certifications, and remain committed to lifelong learning, as these experiences create new opportunities and strengthen your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges facing our industry is the current economic environment, particularly within the agriculture sector. Rising feed and seed costs continue to place financial pressure on farmers and ranchers, making credit decisions and collections increasingly complex. These conditions require thoughtful credit risk assessment, proactive communication with customers, and practical solutions that balance responsible risk management with supporting long-term business relationships.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me both professionally and personally are consistency, honesty, and respect. I believe these principles are essential for building trust, fostering strong relationships, making sound business decisions, and maintaining integrity in every interaction.
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