August 13, 2012

The 31 2012 CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec challenge entrants all had inspiring, unique and innovative projects. Public voting narrowed the field to the Top 15. As part of their prize package, each will receive coaching from challenge sponsor DDJ Myers Ltd., a Phoenix-based CUES Supplier member.

In the next phase of the competition, the Top 15 will be scored on their original video application plus an additional blog post, by a judging panel of two CUES members and Deedee Myers, DDJ Myers CEO.

The five Finalists, to be named Sept. 25, will receive additional coaching, airfare, accommodation and registration to CUES’ CEO/Executive Team Network. The finalists will make their final presentations—and the CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec will be selected—at the conference, Nov. 4-7 in Manalapan, Fla. The winner will receive further coaching, airfare, accommodation and registration for two CUES’ CEO Institutes, a total prize package valued at $20,000.

For the next several weeks, we’ll be checking in with the Top 15 to see how their project is going and learn a bit more about these next generation leaders.

Ashley S. Kohlrus, SPHR Chief Experience Officer $965 million Allegacy Federal Credit Union Winston-Salem, N.C. Follow Ashley on Twitter: @ASKohlrus Watch Ashley’s CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec video

Give us the elevator speech about your project (as in how would you describe your project to someone you meet in an elevator?):  

My new role as chief experience officer is to ensure members' experiences remain a top priority and consistent at Allegacy FCU. I am leading a project called “Mapping the Member Experience.” We are taking a look at the organization’s delivery channels and identifying what impressions we create along the way and where impressions may be enhanced. In order to do so, we are evaluating our products/services/programs, talking with our members, empowering our employees, and really listening to determine where we can continue to improve—inside and out.  

What is your long-term career goal?
    
To continue to grow and develop as a credit union leader and support the mission of “helping members make smart financial choices.”

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

Credit unions continue to attract, recruit and retain top talent who support the philosophy of “people helping people.”

What my generation brings to the credit union movement is …

While a generalization, Gen X is known for independent thinkers, those willing to ask the question of why, diversity, and having a desire for career development opportunities. These attributes can benefit the credit union movement which, like all institutions, must evaluate current practices, innovate, and continue to differentiate themselves in the marketplace.   

People consider me a leader because …

I commit to “walking the talk” of who we are and what we want to be for our employees and members.   

Who is your hero and why?

I look up to a number of family members, teachers and leaders. One of the most influential people in my life would be my grandfather who is now deceased. He was inspirational, loving, respected, and admired for having a purpose and passion-filled life.   

Who is a must-follow on Twitter?  

Twitter is pretty new for me … would definitely say anything related to credit unions and, of course, Allegacy FCU!  

Does your credit union Twitter/Facebook/other social media accounts?

https://twitter.com/allegacy
http://www.facebook.com/Allegacy
http://www.allegacysmart.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/AllegacyFCU