The response to CUES’ Next Top Credit Union Exec challenge was huge! In total 41 people from the U.S. and Canada entered. Their projects were inspiring, unique and innovative. Public voting narrowed the field to six finalists. Learn more about them here. The finalists will present their final presentations—and the Next Top Credit Union Exec will be selected—at CUES’ CEO/Executive Team Network, Nov. 7-10 in Dallas. But for the next several weeks, we will be checking in with one of the non finalists to see how their project is going and learn a bit more about these next-generation leaders.

Jeffrey L. Kunberger

Service Center Manager
Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union
Tampa, Fla.

CU’s Facebook page

What’s the best thing that has resulted from your entering CUES’ Next Top Credit Union Exec competition?

The support I’ve received, not only from my immediate supervisor, but also from senior management.

Give us the elevator speech about your project (as in how would you describe your project to someone you meet in an elevator).
 
To branch out our existing financial education programs and systems from elementary, middle and high schools to reach a new audience at local universities. These students most likely received little or no financial education during their formative schooling. But as young adults, many on their own for the first time, they need to have the tools and resources to make sound financial decisions. By implementing these programs at the university we not only educate these students, but also engage potential members in a demographic of growing importance, Gen Y.

What progress on the project have you made since entering the competition?

Since the university was on summer break, and they’ve just started back to session, the progress has been a bit tempered. However, I have meetings scheduled with faculty to discuss the ideas and how we can partner together.

What is your long-term career goal? (What do you want to be when you grow up?)

My goal is to run a credit union one day.

Fill in the dots: The future of credit unions will be bright if ...

We can learn to speak with one voice, one mission, one purpose. The different factions of the credit union industry need to remember the large swathes we have in common, instead of bickering about the minor differences. We also need a better marketing strategy for the industry as a whole … right now we’re just the odd kid down the street with the weird sounding name, credit union.

Who is a must-follow on Twitter?

For me, no one…I’m not on Twitter.  But I did enjoy the Unrealized Losses blog by Will Magnus back when it was active.

Check out Jeffrey’s Next Top Credit Union Exec entry video to learn more about his project.