Ruth Ferneyhough Joins UVAFinance as Service Experience Associate

Welcome Ruth!

Ruth Ferneyhough’s path into finance began with customer service. She started her career as a cashier at Harris Teeter and Food Lion before moving from the register to the customer service side of the business. There, her work expanded beyond handling money to answering questions, solving problems, and helping customers find what they needed.

These experiences eventually led Ferneyhough into banking, where she spent six years further developing her financial knowledge and customer service skills. When she reached a point where there was limited room to advance within her tier, she began looking for an opportunity to expand her experience. UVA had long been a place she was interested in working, and with her background in banking and customer service, UVA Finance stood out as the right place to continue her career.

Since joining UVAFinance, Ferneyhough has found a team willing to support her as she learns her new role as a Service Experience Associate. Ferneyhough has especially appreciated the support of her new team as she learns the ropes. “I don't even know if there are words to describe just how tight-knit the group is that we have here,” she said. Even when she has questions the team may have answered before, her colleagues remain patient and willing to walk her through the process, making the transition into UVA Finance a welcoming one.

While her new role continues to center on helping customers, the way Ferneyhough provides that support has changed. In banking, she worked with customers face-to-face and often had to respond to questions on the spot. At UVA Finance, she has more time to research a question, work through the details, and determine the best solution. “You have your time to answer, and you're able to do your research and dig into the problem a little more,” Ferneyhough said. “I think you can offer them a better solution since you've had the time.”

Outside of work, Ferneyhough spends much of her time with her five-year-old son. The two enjoy being outdoors, taking walks and hiking together. Some of their favorite places to visit are Sherando Lake and the Humpback Rocks Picnic Area, where her son has plenty of space to explore and use his energy.

Ferneyhough also enjoys reading and baking. Science fiction and fantasy are among her favorite genres, with The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter among her favorites. In the kitchen, she keeps things classic. Her favorite thing to make, and eat, is a traditional cinnamon roll.