​2021-2022 Trailblazers Highlighted

​Ahead of the graduation of the first cohort of MnCUN’s Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program in September, we will be highlighting the credit union professionals participating in the inaugural year of the program. ​

Nicholas Mathiowetz, President/CEO, NorthRidge Community Credit Union 

​Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I choose to make a career with the credit union because of the impact that we, as a movement, can make on our members and communities. The cooperative structure can provide support for people, we can make dreams come true, change lives and help people live to their fullest potential. I couldn't ask for a better cause to dedicate myself to. 

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
This program has given a nice review of credit union operations. It was quite beneficial to see how other organization operate within the same constraints. I was also interesting to hearing the differences between credit unions at varying asset sizes. While our challenges are often the same, they are certainly tackled differently.

These insights have allowed me to look at our operations with a new perspective and that has assisted some creative problem solving.
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What have you enjoyed most about the program?
​This program has provided a great resource to revisit some of things I've already done, and to give new ideas to handle those same things. It's also been a great place to connect with others in the industry and learn more from them. This Trailblazer's group is a fantastic group filled with incredibly talented and motivated people. Listening to them inspires me to learn and do more. 

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Jodi Maus, Training and Development Manager, Magnifi Financial Credit Union

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I think the credit union industry is very unique. Staff are able to provide financing to members to help make their dreams come true. As an organization, we support the community through community involvement and donations. Our profits are reinvested to help members and the community. As staff, we are supported to grow and develop, personally and professionally. In the credit union industry, staff collaborate with other credit unions to share ideas to move credit unions into the future and continue to grow. It is truly a great industry to be part of!

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer program provided an overview of all areas of the credit union, from leadership, financial, branch operations and strategy. It was a great opportunity to learn about other areas of the business and gain ideas from other credit unions and industry leaders. The network and relationships built with other credit union leaders was the most valuable piece. The trust and collaboration will continue into the future.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I enjoyed the content and perspectives provided. However, the opportunity to build relationships with other credit union leaders was the most valuable piece of the program. There are many talented professionals in the Trailblazers and I am honored to be part of the cohort. 

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Denise Meinert, VP of Member Service & Marketing, South Metro Federal CU

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
It's an industry where professionals can come together to provide a service to members because they want to make a difference. They improve members lives by providing exceptional service and products and focus on improving members lives beyond their financial wellbeing by being involved in the local community.  It's a unique industry and I feel fortunate to have a career helping others and working alongside other professionals with similar values.  

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The practical hands-on approach of the program enables me to apply the knowledge firsthand and develop into a more skilled leader.  It offered the opportunity to learn more in depth about areas of the credit union that I don't work directly with and provided me with a stronger understanding of all aspects of a credit union.  

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I've enjoy being able to collaborate with the cohorts and gain knowledge from their professional experiences in the Credit Union industry.  Coming together as a community of professionals to learn to be better leaders has been invaluable and I look forward to continuing to network with each of them.  

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Brianne Meszaros, VP of Branch Operations, Hiway Credit Union

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
As a lifelong credit union member, and a credit union employee pretty much since high school, I have become fully immersed in the credit union movement and it feels like a natural fit with my values and beliefs. Making a difference in member's lives by acting in their best interest, providing financial education to better their future, and contributing to our local communities is fulfilling a greater purpose.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I believe the Trailblazer program is a launch pad to the next level of credit union leadership. It has armed me with more in depth exposure and experience on key focus areas, enhancing my leadership skills, providing a solid foundation of  credit union financials and operations, and giving me insight into successful strategic planning efforts. I am grateful for the network of peers that I have access to and can build future relationships with!

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
The most enjoyable part of the Trailblazer Executive Readiness Program is the camaraderie, collaboration and connections made amongst a group of high energy, highly driven, motivated individuals within the industry. The content was well rounded and provided a deeper dive into the important topics of leading and running a credit union. 

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