2022-2023 Trailblazers Highlighted

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

Christine Eblen, VP, North Branch Minnco Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I have been with credit unions for over 22 years and in the financial sector or nearly 30 years. My beliefs of service, giving back and paying it forward align with the credit union philosophy. I love that my employer encourages me to be a part of the community. I have the opportunity to help our members learn to manage their finances, set goals and achieve dreams.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer program has given me the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals who strive to be great leaders. I have a better understanding of what goes into growing and managing a credit union.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
My very favorite class was dissecting the call report. I love learning and understanding the why. It is rewarding to have the opportunity to learn with other credit union leaders. I am confident the connections will continue after the course is complete.

Brittany Kloetzke, Heartland Credit Union, Vice President of Lending
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I started my credit union career while I was in high school, I participated in the OJT program where I would leave school for half a day and go to the credit union to work. I started scanning accounting, loan files and completed small projects for whoever needed help. I eventually moved to the teller line and learned how to be a Member Service Representative. I was promoted to a Loan Officer position and learned all I could about lending both on the consumer and mortgage side. I applied for a Lending Manager position after a few years of my loan officer role and was offered the job. My direct manager and I worked one on one to develop my skillset in order to succeed her position once she retired. I never imagined working in the credit union as a career when I started back in high school, but once I learned the loan officer role, I knew I found where I was meant to be and made a goal for myself to become a Vice President by the age of 35. I am happy to say that I accomplished this goal four years sooner than projected.

​​How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazers program has impacted my career by giving me a more in-depth knowledge in all other areas within the credit union, or instance going over the full call report in accounting, ALM management and different concepts for strategic planning. With all the various session topics and exercises performed, I have learned new skills and strategies to take back to my current role improving our existing processes and procedures at Heartland Credit Union.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have tremendously enjoyed the networking opportunity, getting to know more colleagues within the credit union industry who are working in roles different from my own. I have enjoyed the content of this program while taking in as much education presented at each meeting. This will only increase my knowledge in my current role. I am hoping this will be my stepping stone to the next goal position Chief Lending Officer.​

Michael Landa, Branch Manager, Wings
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
Credit Unions offered me the autonomy to apply my experience and equipped me with products and services that drive financial goals.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
Learning the objectives and challenges of all the company functions will help me become a stronger team member.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
The opportunity to listen and share with other passionate credit union professionals.

Emily Walton, Digital Experience Manager, Royal Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
The core mission of credit unions is so powerful and inspiring: people helping people. I'll admit that I didn't fully realize it when I started at Royal, but I was immediately engaged by the amazing people I worked with everyday. Our culture and core values are genuine and I love working at an organization where our focus is on the Members and community we serve.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazers program provided valuable insight and hands-on learning for executive leadership. I appreciate that the sessions were led by senior credit union leaders. It provided the opportunity to hear real-life application and better understand the leadership and strategy at my credit union, as well as build connections with strong leaders.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Networking and hands-on experience.

---