Tara Murphy advises young women starting their careers not to be afraid to seize opportunities when they arise. She emphasizes that sometimes reaching outside your comfort zone can unlock your hidden potential. Tara should know; she followed her own advice by moving from a career path in information technology into a front-line position with Achieva, an innovative credit union with a reputation for community involvement and one of Tampa Bay’s top employers. Two decades later, she is the Chief Operating Officer, and is helping to broaden Achieva’s longtime support of education in the communities it serves.

“Surround yourself with mentors, and recognize that you have the ability to influence your peers in a positive manner as well.”

Achievements:

-Chief Operations Officer, Achieva Credit Union, since 2011

-Career Education Board Member

-Frances Stavros Career Education Award 2016

-Panel speaker at Ford Next Generation Learning national conference

-Leadership Tampa Bay, class of 2015