banks wrote off. Banks assign legions of lobbyists to gut the good work credit unions do for Americans. For that reason, I believe the industry’s best days are ahead. In the past year alone, more than 5 million American families and small businesses joined a credit union. Our industry prioritizes members’ financial well-being over profits. Credit unions do not make risky investments that could undermine their institution or harm their members; they invest in the programs and products that strengthen them. Even within a consolidating financial services marketplace, as more people recognize what credit unions can offer them and their families, we’ll see even more transitions to credit unions. Credit unions were formed to serve communities of people, but that shouldn’t be a reason to restrict them with outdated laws and regulations. Yes, there will be headwinds, but in the midst of uncertainty, we know there is also opportunity. The industry has taken on every challenge thrown its way, and through perseverance and a clear mission, the industry has strengthened and grown. Lastly, what personal values and leadership qualities do you bring to your role as the President and CEO of NAFCU, and how do these qualities help you guide the organization forward? Having worked in both government and the private sector before I joined NAFCU, I found my role leading the association was the perfect nexus of policy, politics and work that actually has a real impact on Americans across the country. It’s what made me fall in love with the industry – and now, as CEO, leading a team of incredibly talented and devoted staff, I have the best job in Washington. I like to hire employees with a team mindset, whether that came from playing high school sports or being involved in band or theatre – I want people who have experience understanding the responsibility of being a single component of a larger team’s collective success. We hire for attitude and aptitude; skills and knowledge can be acquired on the job. NAFCU represents an industry of “people helping people,” but we do that internally as well. Every aspect of the organization is intertwined. It’s critical that we don’t work in silos. This allows me to take a holistic approach to management while understanding that personalities and work ethic are just as important as talent. Lastly, even as a non-profit, NAFCU’s executive team and our Board of Directors still have the mindset of managing this association like it is a for-profit business, in the sense that we spend our budget strategically. And we remain mindful of being responsible stewards of our members’ dues. We remain laser-focused on our mission to help credit unions grow, and that isn’t going to change.
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