Woman retires after 39 years

What started out as a two-person company, grew into a 66-person, multi-location business.

After 39 years at Trona Valley Federal Credit Union, CEO Marsha Tynsky has decided to retire.

"You don't get that opportunity anymore," Tynsky said. "To work that long. I am very privileged to have been here this long. I always say I have the best job in Sweetwater County."

Prior to moving to Sweetwater County, Tynsky worked at a bank in Omaha, Neb.

In 1976, Tynsky started as the CEO at Stauffer Big Island Federal Credit Union, which opened in 1962. Tynsky said the Stauffer Big Island FCU was located at Stauffer's mine, which is now Ciner.

At that time, it was just Tynsky and a part-time employee out at the Stauffer Big Island FCU. Tynsky recalled riding the bus to work every day.

In 1989, Stauffer Big Island FCU merged with FMC Employee's FCU; and in March of 1991 the credit union purchased a building in Green River and became Trona Valley FCU.

Over the years, Trona Valley FCU has continued to grow and expand, Tynsky said. It opened branches in Rock Springs, Evanston and Mountain View and has grown to employ 66 people.

"It's been an amazing career," Tynsky said.

Tynsky truly enjoyed her job and her time at Trona Valley.

"I'm so very proud of Trona Valley," she said. "What we are and where we have come from is because of many hard-working people for many years and the best members any credit union could ask for -- ever."

One aspect of the job, Tynsky said was the hardest was all of the federal regulations the FCU has to follow.

"In the beginning it wasn't that bad, and then it got worse," Tynsky said.

Although Tynsky understands where all of the regulations are coming from, that didn't make it any easier to learn all of them. Usually, the FCU has to learn about 30 to 40 new regulations every year. Tynsky said that is one of the reasons why Trona Valley has continued to grow. It needs that many people to keep up with all of the new regulations.

"We're regulated just like any other financial institution," Tynsky said.

It is hard for Tynsky to say goodbye; and it was tough for her to make the decision to retire.

"I turned 65 last March and was going to retire at that point," she said. "The board asked me to stay on another year."

She was OK with that, since she had no idea what she would do.

"It's been my baby. I've watched it grow from infancy," Tynsky said.

Since then, Tynsky has had about a year to reflect; and is now ready to move onto another phase in her life.

"I would love to go in and help troubled credit unions," she said.

She would also like to travel. Tynsky's official last day will be Jan. 29; and she is hoping to take two months away from Green River so she doesn't go in Trona Valley all of the time. As for future plans, Tynsky said she has grandchildren in town so she has no intentions of leaving the area.

Tynsky not only served Trona Valley for many years, but she also volunteered in the community as well. She was a member of the Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees, Sweetwater County Library Board, United Way, Flaming Gorge Days Committee, Wyoming Credit Union League Board, Wyoming Credit Union Foundation, Mountain West Credit Union Association and the Mountain West Credit Union Foundation.

Tynsky said she would like to get back on a board, but she is not sure which one.

"I think that I can stay busy," she said. "A year ago, I could not focus on a life outside of Trona Valley. Now I can."