A trip down memory lane with Mark Elder
Mark Elder joined BankVic in 2005, when it was known as Police Credit. He was drawn to the bank's roots, which were front of mind for everyone who walked through the doors.
Twenty-one years on, as Head of Risk Operations, he's seen the organisation grow, evolve, and recommit to what made it distinct in the first place. He takes us through his journey with BankVic.
Mark came from a major bank, and says the difference was immediately noticeable, and welcome.
"Having worked at a major bank before, the difference is significant. The capacity to be known and appreciated by members of different teams, as well as the appreciation of members, is totally different. It makes you really feel appreciated."
That sense of being known and valued shaped a lot of what came next for Mark. His trademark hard work and collaborative style saw him in various roles over the years, including Manager Home Loan Centre, Manager Credit Risk, Operations Specialist, Manager Credit Decisioning, and Operations Manager, before stepping into his current role as Head of Risk Operations.
One stint in particular sticks with him.
"I was meant to be Relief Manager at Clayton for two months. I ended up there for eleven."
It's the kind of detour that says a lot about Mark’s commitment to BankVic. He goes where he is needed, and he tends to stay until the job is done properly.
Two projects stand out for Mark as the work he is most proud of.
"There are a number of projects I have been heavily involved in. The two that stand out are building the loan origination platform and the Anti-Money Laundering transaction monitoring program. Both of these were really collaborative projects, which involved a number of different people and departments all with a common goal."
Both pieces of work shape how the bank operates today, and came together because the people involved were willing to work across team lines.
That collaborative streak carries through to how Mark talks about colleagues, current and former.
"There are a number that stand out. Joe Dascoli, we played footy together many years ago. David Lawler has always been supportive, maybe because I'm a Richmond supporter. Simon James, who started not long after me and has always been great to bounce things off. Michelle Ferry, Frances and Apsi, who were there in the early days when we were doing loan admin work in the lending team."
Then there's the team around him now, and one more name worth a mention.
"All of my current team are so supportive of me and our members. And I should probably mention Nathan, my son, who is now also working at BankVic."
Twenty-one years means plenty has happened outside the office, too.
"I've added to my children with my youngest, Lily, who is my only girl. I've been president of my local cricket club for a number of years, started playing soccer, and became a grandfather for the first time late last year."
Asked what he enjoys about working at BankVic, Mark goes back to the people.
"One thing that is great about working at BankVic is you get to know people of all levels. The CEO and executives take a genuine interest in you. I get to help influence changes that benefit our members, and the membership base are really appreciative of how we work to help them. That is great when those members are also helping the community. The fact that BankVic gives back to community groups is also something I really appreciate."
Looking ahead, Mark sees plenty to be optimistic about, particularly the strong focus on the bank's founding bond.
For anyone weighing up BankVic against another option, Mark's take is short and clear, drawing on the best advice he ever received.
"The most helpful advice I received was to stop, think, and use good judgement. I can't recall who said it to me, but it has been a godsend."
It's a fitting reflection from someone who has spent 21 years at a place where good judgement, and good people, have stayed at the centre of how things get done.
