Alumni Profile: Abby (Yenne) Carter '07

Human Resources Assistant
Pioneer Trust Bank, N.A.
Major at Linfield: English

What are you doing now?
I am currently the human resources assistant at Pioneer Trust Bank, N.A. I have been with the company since the summer of 2011, and am very proud to call it home. I was drawn to working for Pioneer Trust Bank, N.A. because of the emphasis the bank has on personal contact and communication with their customers. As an HR assistant, I create effective communication and positive relationships with my staff. I am involved with the process of hiring new employees, payroll, health benefits, as well as many other jobs that help make the business run smoothly. I am a member of the Oregon Bankers Association, which keeps me informed about changing laws and regulations. I am intrigued with the challenge of learning, being involved with people, and helping create positive relationships with people in the community.

Tell us about yourself.
Growing up, I was exposed to a variety of various activities, travel, and experiences that helped me strive towards success. Having a strong work ethic has been instilled in me for many years. Since I was a teenager, I've always had a part time job. Family and friendship is very important to me, therefore, I chose Linfield because it was close to home, and offered a small family like campus setting that really appealed to me. After graduating in '07, I worked for Bank of America in McMinnville, Tualatin and Wilsonville. I knew it was important for me to build my experience through the company, and in doing so, I learned a great deal about myself and the career path I wanted to pursue. In March of 2009, I met my future husband, who happened to also be a Linfield alumni (George Carter IV '05). We were engaged in September of 2009, and were married the following year in November. The location of both of our jobs helped us make the decision to settle down in Salem, which happens to be our home town. My husband and I now have a little girl, Ava Mae Carter, who was born in June of 2012. We also have a black Pug named Babs who is practically human! The experience of having a family has been a bigger blessing that I could ever imagine.

How did Linfield help prepare you for your career?
Attending Linfield gave me the opportunity to travel abroad, explore literature, and experience the life of monks at the Abbey through my spiritual studies. These experiences broadened my horizons in understanding other cultures and expanded my knowledge about life. My major in English has helped me to be successful in communicating effectively, verbally and written. These skills have been essential to my success in my career. I feel as though I relate to others on many different levels as well as understand them. I feel confident presenting new ideas and opinions, and am learning the challenge of accepting criticism. Through my four years at Linfield, I learned that personal accountability and commitment are qualities that one should have when being a role model to others.