2022-23 Trailblazers Cohort Underway

Emerging leaders from across Minnesota are growing their skillsets to lead the future of the credit union movement through MnCUN’s Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program. The second cohort kicked off in September at the LEAD 22 conference, comprised of 22 credit union professionals representing 18 credit unions. This 12-month program is designed to accelerate executive level leadership skills and build credit union specific knowledge needed to succeed in our industry.

Having high-potential leaders in the pipeline is critical for credit unions and the industry. Designed by Minnesota Credit Union professionals – the program is intended to prepare emerging leaders for executive level positions. Topics include Leadership Skills, Credit Union Financials, Credit Union Operations, and Strategic Planning & Growth. Courses are facilitated by both experts in the field and current credit union leaders. Upon completion participants will receive a Minnesota Credit Union Executive Leadership Certification.

​Participants in the 2022/2023 cohort are:

• Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union: Libby Wasylik, Assistant Branch Manager
• Anoka Hennepin Credit Union: Kathy Frias, VP Operations
• First Alliance Credit Union: Christian Mancilla, Call Center Lead
• ​Great River Federal Credit Union: Melissa Graham, AVP of Marketing
• Heartland Credit Union: Brittany Kloetzke, VP of Lending
• Hiway Credit Union: Cassandra Sandstrom, VP of Asset Protection
• Hiway Credit Union: David Walters, VP of Consumer Lending
• Magnifi Credit Union: Josh Villa, VP of SBA Lending
• Members Cooperative Credit Union: Susan Shold, VP of Human Resources
• Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union: Miranda Anderson, VP of Marketing & Communications
• Minnco Credit Union: Christine Eblen, Branch Manager, VP
• MY Credit Union: Jessica Stevens, Card Services Manager
• Royal Credit Union: Emily Walton, Business Process Improvement Manager
• SharePoint Credit Union: Megan Hammack, VP of Operations
• SPIRE Credit Union: Christopher Williams, Director of Accounting
• SPIRE Credit Union: Lisa Jacobson, Digital Banking Manager
• Star Choice Credit Union: Ryan Diaz, Branch Manager/Operations
• Teamster Credit Union: Michelle Nelson, Vice President
• TopLine Financial Credit Union: Patti Gagnon, AVP Operations
• TopLine Financial Credit Union: Jeff Valley, Manager of Data & Analytics
• Wings Financial Credit Union: Michael Landa, Branch Manager

The inaugural cohort graduated in September. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

​“The Trailblazer program has helped me to learn about so many different areas of credit unions and the people who make those areas a success. Being new to the credit union world it has really helped understand how it all comes together.”  -Mandy Anderson, Branch Manager, Accentra Credit Union

“The Trailblazer Program has been incredibly beneficial. It's so easy to get stuck 'staying in your lane' and only focusing on things that directly impact your role. But in order to grow, you need to learn from other departments and areas. Throughout this program, I've learned how to read reports, build strategic plans, and build a network! Without this program, I wouldn't have had a reason to push myself to learn something new that I don't see every day.” Abbie White, Corporate Partnerships, Wings Financial Credit Union

“My ultimate goal is to one day become President/CEO of a credit union. While I understand that's not going to be an easy feat, I'm hopeful credit union executives will notice the hard work and dedication I've put in. This program has really made me think more about my "why" and my "purpose", and I feel more driven than ever to be a strong leader. I also want to remain a positive role model for my team and any other credit union professional that wants to grow their career.” – Cory Ouellette, VP-Operations, Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union

The cohort meets the second Thursday of the month for 12 months –virtually and in person – providing participants the opportunity to build a close network of colleagues. The program runs September - September.

With questions, contact MnCUN Vice President of Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau or Director of Engagement Ben Hering.