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.

Neil Sample, Vice President of Business Services, Members Cooperative Credit Union 

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
In the beginning, I took the opportunity not knowing a lot about the credit union industry. Over time, I realized the values and motto, "Not for profit, not for charity, but for service," aligned with my personal values. I grew up in an environment where my parents demonstrated service to others, my father as a solider and mother as a nurse.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I am already seeing the value of the Trailblazer program. Each segment has either educated me on areas that I was not familiar with, or helped enhance my knowledge in other areas. I plan on using much of what I learned in the leadership and strategic planning segments in my current role.

​What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have most enjoyed the ability to network with a group of aspiring leaders in our dynamic industry. I look forward to seeing the members of our cohort impact the credit union movement in a positive way for years to come. 

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Jill Schaffler, Vice President, Enterprise Applications, TruStone Financial Credit Union

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I have spent my entire career in the credit union industry. I appreciate both the passion and awareness credit unions devote to member experience and helping members achieve their financial goals throughout different stages.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer program has offered knowledge into areas of the credit union that I was not previously familiar with. My background in technology can sometimes limit exposure to areas such as financials or overall operations of the credit union. 
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What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have enjoyed the program content and the speakers. Visibility into all areas of the credit union has provided a broader depth of knowledge that has been valuable.  I appreciated getting to know my peers and sharing our experiences.

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Jenna Taubel, Director of Brand & Digital Member Experience, First Alliance Credit Union

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
Like most credit union people, I never dreamed as a child that marketing or credit unions would be my career path. However, once I step foot into this world of passionate, empathetic, and supportive humans, I was hooked.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
Going through this program has been so helpful as I stepped into my role as a director. The program has given me a solid base of information on a wide variety of topics that any credit union leader should know and understand.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have made new connections and deepened relationships with my fellow future credit union leaders. This cohort is full of energetic and forward-thinking individuals who are going to move our industry forward in so many ways. I have truly enjoyed learning from the class materials, but even more so from my fellow Trailblazers.

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Jacquie Twedt, Director of Operations, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

​Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I started working for credit unions when I was 20 years old and never looked back. My personal values align with the credit union movement, as a whole. It's very important for me to find purpose beyond my work, the sense of social responsibility found in the credit union allows me to do that.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I believe that I am leaving this program with more well-rounded and deeper knowledge of the business areas that I do not get exposure to on a regular basis. This will allow me to make better decisions with a broader understanding of impact. I have found new areas of interest and believe that curiosity is always a good byproduct of any program.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
The connections with other credit union professionals has been absolutely great. Already there have been so many opportunities to ask each other questions and collaborate to get better as an industry. It's been wonderful!

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