Employee Spotlight: Ashley Chittum

Job Title: Loan Support Specialist
Location: Verona Branch
Tenure: 9 years
Briefly describe your involvement in 4-H. Growing up, I was very involved in 4-H in Augusta County, Virginia. I was a member of the Willing Workers 4-H Club, the Augusta County Dairy 4-H Club and the Augusta County 4-H Honors Club. Throughout my time in 4-H, I held many roles and competed in a variety of contests (i.e. showing livestock including steers, dairy cattle, sheep and hogs, sewing, etc.). 4-H is such a great organization for the youth to be involved in!
Briefly describe your involvement in FFA. I was very involved in FFA from 6th-12th grade and held many officer roles during that time. I remember being very excited when I got my blue corduroy jacket and always enjoyed wearing the “official dress.” FFA gave me the opportunity to travel to State Convention at Virginia Tech and National Conventions, held in both Louisville and Indianapolis, as well as compete and be successful in a variety of contests. Two of my most memorable teams/experiences were in 8th grade where we won the Virginia State Jr. Parliamentary Procedure contest and later, receiving my American FFA Degree (pictured below).

Briefly describe your involvement in agriculture. These days, Farm Credit is my biggest tie to agriculture. I grew up in Augusta County, where my dad and granddad were full-time farmers. Originally a dairy farm, they eventually transitioned to beef cattle. Unfortunately, my dad passed away when I was young so my involvement in the farm changed, but I always found enjoyment in showing livestock and being involved in 4-H and FFA. Those were things my dad was involved in too, so it made me feel close to him!
Tell us about your family. I am blessed to be married to my husband of almost 9 years, Justin. Together we have two children, a son (Raylan) and a daughter (Brinley). Although I am often exhausted, this is my favorite season of life so far!

Tell us about your pets. We have a chocolate Labrador named Yogi. Most people think he was named after Yogi Bear. We are big baseball fans and he was actually named after Yogi Berra, who spent a large part of his career playing for and coaching the New York Yankees.
What is your favorite song? One of my favorite songs is, “Life’s a Dance” by John Michael Montgomery.
What is your favorite movie? One of my favorite movies is, "A Walk to Remember".
What is your favorite season? My favorite season is spring. 
What is your dream vacation destination? I would love to travel to Hawaii and Alaska. 
What is your favorite place you've ever visited? My favorite place I’ve traveled is Half Moon Cay while on a cruise. 
What was your dream job as a child? I wanted to be a large animal veterinarian when I was a child.
What is your favorite thing about Farm Credit? There is a lot about Farm Credit that I appreciate, but one of my favorite things is our involvement and the support we provide to the youth in our communities that are involved in 4-H and FFA.
What are your favorite weekend activities? I enjoy spending time with my family on the weekends! 
What is your favorite holiday tradition? At Christmas, my family always gets matching Christmas pajamas.