Jan Bias celebrates 50 years as employee of Redstone Federal Credit Union

MADISON – Five decades ago, Jan Bias of Madison started working for Redstone Federal Credit Union or RFCU. Today, Bias continues to serve employees after a staggering 50 years with the organization.

“Jan Bias’ story of loyalty, leadership and lasting impact is still being written at Redstone,” RFCU Media Manager Patricia Lloyd said. “Jan, a Madison resident, continues to serve the credit union, its employees and its members and has incredible insight into Human Resources & Culture Change.”

In 1976, Bias joined Redstone as a telephone/mail loan specialist earning $3.22 an hour. “Like most young people starting out, I was looking for a paycheck — not necessarily a career,” Bias said. “I started in the Loan Department in September 1976. The credit union turned out to be an amazing place to work and has gotten even better over the years.”

A few years later, she moved to Human Resources where she continued to work for most of her career. “Jan is still helping the organization meet challenges, grow and care for its people,” Lloyd said.

As Executive Vice President for People & Culture, Bias is Redstone’s longest serving employee. She oversees people, pay, culture and community outreach for more than 1,500 employees.

“Jan has helped shape Redstone into the organization we are today,” RFCU President and CEO Joe Newberry said. “I’m excited to celebrate her 50-year milestone during the same year we also celebrate Redstone’s 75th anniversary.”

Newberry listed a few of Bias’ successes: creating Redstone’s toll-free telephone numbers; launching Redstone’s onsite clinic and cafeteria; expanding training and benefits options; and overseeing the Tennessee Market expansion.

“The opportunities I have been given, the support and mentoring I have been afforded, along with the amazing people I have met along the way, made it a ‘no-brainer’ to stay. I have never looked for another job since joining RFCU,” Bias said.

Her current job — RFCU Executive Vice President for People & Culture — is a hybrid position. She oversees Human Resources, Internal Communications, Community Relations, Organizational Culture, Schools Program and the Tennessee Market.

For 35-plus years, Bias has been associated with Human Resources in four roles. She also had oversight of several more areas. “When I took oversight of the Tennessee Market more than 10 years ago, I became Executive Vice President, People & Culture . . . adding the Tennessee Market to my fun things to do.”

Jan and her husband Rodney moved to Madison in April 1976. “We built a new house so we could get out of the City of Huntsville and move to the ‘country.’ Some dear friends of ours helped us make that happen,” she said.

“We had to have a road extended off Hughes Road to build. We still live in that same house; however, it doesn’t look the same. We love our property; it’s hard to get an acre-plus in the City of Madison anymore.”

“We decided to stay and remodel. Our fourth remodel was in 2018,” she said.

Working in Human Resources, all days aren’t going to be perfect. “I take great pride in being able to go home on most days saying, ‘Today was a good day!’ I can still say that I love to get up and come to work every day,” Bias said. “There are far more good days than not.”

“The culture at Redstone Federal Credit Union is outstanding. We truly care about our members and each other,” Bias said. “So many people have helped me along the way; I’ve tried to pass that along. It’s very rewarding to see the success of others you have invested in.”

Rodney Bias retired as an accountant. “I’m the proud mother of two children; my son Josh and my daughter Bethany graduated from Bob Jones High School and both live in Madison. They have given my four amazing grandchildren: Jacob, Matthew, Lily and Ava.”

Grandson Jacob graduated from James Clemens High School. Matthew is a sophomore at James Clemens. Lily is a kindergartner at Heritage Elementary (where her mother teaches), and Ava attends preschool at First Baptist Church. “We are Madison strong!” Bias said.

Away from work, she enjoys the outdoors, especially the beach and mountains. “I’m an avid sports fan, Roll Tide! I spend as much time as possible with my grandkids; I’m lucky to have them spread from age 21 down to 3. They keep me young and in touch,” Bias said.

“I’ve had an amazing career at Redstone Federal Credit Union. A fifty-year career is unheard of — in these days and times. I’m truly blessed to have been a part of this amazing organization and thankful for all I have received,” Bias said.