August 17, 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.

Nathan Muniz Public Relations Manager $3.9 billion Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union Harrisburg, Pa. Follow Nate on Twitter: @nj_muniz Watch Nate’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?):  

Have you ever heard the phrase: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu?” It’s an old Washington cliché, but it’s absolutely true. With all of the economic pressures credit unions are facing that we can do little or nothing about, why not try and shape some of the things we can – legislative and regulatory policy? The project I’m working on would raise the profile of credit unions by putting a face on the movement and that face is our members. By getting the members involved we are enhancing member service while also showcasing the positive personal impact we have on our members’ lives and why we’re not just another branch on the corner.

What is your long-term career goal?

To create a model for legislative/political engagement that all individual credit unions, no matter what size, can follow by engaging and utilizing their members. It’s taken me almost eight years to get to where I am, so I expect it may take awhile to spread to other credit unions.

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

Individual credit unions take a more active role in shaping the policies that affect them at all levels of government.

What my generation brings to the credit union movement is …

A fresh perspective and a shot of energy.

People consider me a leader because …

I had a bit of a hard time with this question, because I feel like I’m just doing my job, so I asked a few colleagues and they said: People view me as an expert in my field, and I never hesitate to share my knowledge with any who ask. I also have a tendency to ask the hard questions when deciding whether something is in the best long-term interest of the credit union and the members and seek to involve others in initiating positive change.  

Who is your hero and why?

Congressman John Lewis – he is the personification of courage and conviction and is a true servant leader. His journey from the son of sharecroppers in Alabama to a leader of the civil rights movement and ultimately a highly respected member of Congress is an inspiration and shows what is possible through education, hard work and, most of all, perseverance.

Who is a must-follow on Twitter?

@morningmoneyben – Politico’s Ben White – first for the smart analysis of politics and finance, then for the smart-aleck comments.

@AmyShowalter – The research she and her colleagues have done on grassroots engagement is fascinating and spot on

@HeardontheHill – Because politics really can be funny!

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

@psecu
PSECU on Facebook