DALLAS — Neighborhood Credit Union is paying a heartfelt tribute to Tami Shanafelt, its vice president of administration and a long-time employee, who has passed away. Shanafelt is also the wife of Sammy Shanafelt, the CEO of Prestige Community Credit Union in Dallas

Shanafelt joined the credit union – then Dallas Postal Credit Union – in May 1993 as an administrative assistant for administration and human resources. In 1999, she was promoted to executive assistant, where she supported the Office of the CEO for nearly a decade. 

In 2008, Shanafelt was named vice president of administration, a role in which she worked closely with president and CEO, Chet Kimmell and the Neighborhood Credit Union board.

“For more than 30 years, Tami played a key role in supporting me, the executive leadership, internal operations, and leading board governance at Neighborhood Credit Union,” said Kimmel in a statement. “Her professionalism, reliability, and dedication left a lasting mark on the credit union and all who work here.”

‘Deep Love’

Neighborhood Credit Union said that beyond Shanafelt’s personal life she was known for her deep love for family, and that she enjoyed spending time at the family ranch and the lake, where boating and relaxing together were favorite pastimes. 

“A fan of travel and good food, Tami was often the planner behind memorable family trips, including cherished visits to Disney World,” NCU said.

According to Neighborhood CU, Shanafelt’s roots in the credit union movement ran deep. Her mother worked for Mesquite Credit Union for many years, and her husband, Sammy Shanafelt, currently serves as CEO of Prestige Community Credit Union in Dallas.

“She was deeply connected to the credit union community and considered her colleagues an extension of her family. Her passion for the industry was evident in everything she did,” NCU said. 

Warmth & Energy

The credit union added that Shanafelt will be remembered not only for her decades of service, but also for her warmth, energy, and the way she brought people together – both inside and outside the workplace.

“For more than 30 years, Tami played a key role in supporting me, the executive leadership, internal operations, and leading board governance at Neighborhood Credit Union. Her professionalism, reliability, and dedication left a lasting mark on the credit union and all who work here,” Kimmell added in a statement. “I will miss her. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tami’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know her.”