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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Juan Salinas

Business Development Officer (Kalamazoo Market)
Phone: 269.986.4709
E-mail jsalinas@kccu4u.org
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about Juan

Juan has been in the financial services industry for over 15 years. He has had experience in many different roles within the banking industry, from a Personal Banker to Branch Manager and even experience as a Community Assistant VP just before his transition into Business and Commercial Banking. As a Business Development Officer at KCCU, Juan utilizes his expansive experience in helping him understand that every business has a different, unique, and specific financial need.

Recently, Juan said "There is truly no greater joy for me than helping new and existing business members realize every goal and dream they have for their businesses. Building a relationship beyond one request gives me the chance to offer each member the best possible solution. I don't just want to be viewed as another banker, but rather your businesses trusted financial partner that can provide holistic solutions."

Juan attended Western Michigan University where he studied Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. He gives back to his community through volunteer work by using his DJing abilities at local schools, community events, and churches.

Outside of KCCU, Juan cherishes spending time with his wonderful wife, Leslie, and two children, Olivia and Jaxon. Music is a huge part of his life which is evident from his 20 years of DJing. Juan can be seen exhibiting his DJing skills at weddings, private events, and corporate parties! He also spends a lot of time on the golf course whenever possible.

Contact Juan
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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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