meet the team

Elle Dababneh

Business Development Officer (Grand Rapids Market)
Phone: 269.832-8243
E-mail edababneh@kccu4u.org
Note: Email messages sent to KCCU are NOT secure. Please do not disclose any sensitive personal or account information when sending an email.

about Elle

Elle has been in the financial services industry for the past seven years. She has experience on the retail side of banking as a branch manager, as well as experience in retirement services. As the Business Development Officer at KCCU, she guides local business owners of the greater Grand Rapids area through the commercial lending process, helping them achieve their goals and dreams.

“I enjoy helping small businesses strive for better outcomes, and helping them grow and create new job opportunities for the people of our community.” says Elle. “I also love that I get to build relationships with our members and serve as their trusted financial partner.”

Elle attended Western Michigan University for International business. She gives back to the community through her volunteer work with Junior Achievement and Kids Food Basket and often participates in neighborhood clean-ups.

Elle enjoys traveling overseas to spend time with her family in Jordan. She takes interest in learning about new cultures, and trying new foods from around the world.

Contact Elle
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Taylor Barnes

Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement (Kalamazoo Market)
Phone: 269.968.9251 ext 2382
E-mail tbarnes@kccu4u.org
Note: Email messages sent to KCCU are NOT secure. Please do not disclose any sensitive personal or account information when sending an email.

about Taylor

Taylor Barnes is KCCU’s Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement. She proudly helps KCCU business members with their financial growth, by fulfilling their lending needs, and offering guidance and resources to move them forward and achieve their goals.

“My main objective is to do whatever I can to assist with the growth of the communities we serve.” says Barnes. “I love having the opportunity to help our business partners with their needs and dreams, which in turn allows them to better serve their customers and communities.”

Taylor has been in the financial services industry for the past six years. She began her career at KCCU as a part-time teller and quickly advanced through the ranks, holding a variety of positions, including lead teller, member service representative and business support services. As she grew with the organization, she gained valuable knowledge and experience needed for a deeper understanding and well-rounded approach to providing world-class member service. Along the way, her passion for helping KCCU members succeed shines through in everything she does.

“I love building relationships with our members and communities.” states Taylor. “I love seeing the direct impact of our help on our members. When they succeed, we succeed, and nothing feels more rewarding than that!”

Outside of the office, Taylor enjoys spending time with family and friends. She’s always up for an adventure and loves trying new things and visiting new places!

Contact Taylor
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Tara Steele

Business Lending Manager
Phone: 269.968.9251 ext 2515
E-mail tsteele@kccu4u.org
Note: Email messages sent to KCCU are NOT secure. Please do not disclose any sensitive personal or account information when sending an email.

about Tara

Tara has been in the financial services industry for over 21 years. Her experience ranges from part-time teller, mortgage loan originator, branch manager, treasury management, to winding out her career in the commercial lending space. As the business lending manager at KCCU, she guides a team of business development officers, business services support, and a business services analyst to help local business owners achieve their dreams of expanding their businesses through lending services.

"Commercial lending has become a passion of mine. Being able to be a part of a journey with a member to either start a new business, buy a new building or piece of equipment, to expanding with additional locations is not only very rewarding for the member, but also for me. I love to be alongside them for each step in helping their dreams come true. Members have followed me throughout my career, and that is just a testament to the support that I provide them, and the relationship that we build during the loan process! Without my members, I wouldn't have the success that I've had within my career."

Tara loves giving back to the community through volunteering with her local church as a member of their band, sitting on the board for Habitat for Humanity in Barry County, along with various other volunteer projects throughout the year.

When she isn't busy working, Tara enjoys traveling with family, music-related activities, and watching her kids excel in their sporting activities.

Contact Tara
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