2023 - 2024 Trailblazers Cohort Will Graduate and Present at LEAD 24

Ahead of the graduation of this year's cohort of MnCUN’s Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program next week at LEAD 24, we continue highlighting the credit union professionals participating in the program's third year. 

​MnCUN’s Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program is a 12-month program designed to accelerate executive-level leadership skills and build credit union-specific knowledge needed to succeed in our industry. 

Also at next week's LEAD 24 conference, the 2023-2024 cohort will present a strategic plan based on a real credit union and will share learnings from the leadership, operations, financial and strategy modules during a breakout session.

Bottom Left: Adam Daoust, Top Right: Priscilla Xiong

​Adam Daoust, AVP-Business Lending, Minnesota Power Employees CU,

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I chose to be in the business lending field in a local credit union because I am passionate about building meaningful connections with our members and being involved in the community. I enjoy being a small part of many businesses in our community and seeing them grow and succeed.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer program will impact my career by building strong connections with other credit unions in the area and enhancing my leadership skills to help find more strategic and effective solutions to problems.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I most enjoyed the many presentations that were provided during the course. Many of the presentations gave insightful information on topics within the credit union I don't deal with on a daily basis.

Priscilla Xiong, Lending Officer/Marketing Manager, Teamsters Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
The credit union movement simply aligns with my personal values. My passion lies in helping people, so "members helping members" is what it's all about at the end of the day. I love being a financial resource and helping people achieve their financial dreams. The positive impact and relationships developed are the most fulfilling piece of my career.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The program itself has helped me gain insight into strategic decisions, credit union operations, and leadership skills that will hopefully create opportunities in the future - whether it's a new project or a career advancement - I'll be ready for it!

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I've enjoyed networking and the connections that I have made. Being able to collaborate with credit unions across Minnesota of all sizes and sharing our knowledge has been invaluable.

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