2023-24 Trailblazers Highlighted; New Cohort Announced

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

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

Top Left to Right: Amanda Barghini, Jacob Lies, Morgan Mitchell, Jon Smale

Amanda Barghini, Director of Lending, Heartland CU
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
In moving from banks to a credit union, there was a clear difference in the approach when helping members vs. customers and it aligns with my values. 

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
This group has allowed me to explore areas of the credit union that I have yet to work in, helping me better understand accounting and strategic planning strategies.

​What have you enjoyed most about the program? 
I have enjoyed networking with colleagues in my industry, gaining valuable insights into our operational similarities and differences, and establishing friendly connections at other institutions for potential collaboration.

Jacob Lies, Director of Retail Services, Farm Credit Employees FCU
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
I started on the bank side and can see a huge difference in vision on the credit union side of things and won't be turning back!

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
It has helped me see all sides of how a credit union operates and just gives so much more perspective of what happens behind the scenes.

What have you enjoyed most about the program? 
Being able to meet new people in the CU space and find out more about the different roles that make an impact in the industry.

Morgan Mitchell, Compensation & Benefits Manager, City & County Credit Union 
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I have chosen a career in credit unions because of their member-focused approach, community values, and commitment to financial inclusion. I am passionate about making a positive impact on people's lives and knowing that the organization I work for does so by providing financial solutions and guidance allows me to align my values with my career. 

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I think that the Trailblazer program will positively impact my career by enhancing my industry knowledge, leadership skills, and network ultimately enabling me to make a greater impact on those working with and around me in the credit union industry. 

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have enjoyed the ability to learn from other credit union professionals on the varying credit union functions outside of my current scope as compensation & benefits manager. I have also enjoyed the ability to learn, grow, and network with other peers in the credit union industry.

Jon Smale, Branch Manager, Heartland Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
Better work/life. 

​How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
Better knowledge and understanding of the financial industry and higher-level discussions. 

​What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Meeting my fellow cohorts and the educational experience from leaders in the industry.

2024-2025 Cohort Announced

MnCUN is proud to announce the participants in the 2024-2025 Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training Cohort: 

• Holly Picchiarini, Affinity Plus FCU 
• Jessica Smith, Crow Wing Power CU            
• Jody Carlson, Embarrass Vermillion FCU  
• Tye Reed, Farm Credit Employees FCU       
• Jordan Kaehler, First Alliance CU
• Josh Paprocki , Heartland CU             
• Adam  Otteson, Magnifi Financial CU          
• Marisa Jarema, Members Cooperative CU
• Chris Wester, Minnco CU
• Abby Olson, Minnco CU        
• Lisa Holman, MY CU
• Melissa Koontz, Royal CU    
• Lindsay Geurts, SharePoint CU        
• Chris Stueven, SMW Financial CU
• Matt Bohlen,   SMW Financial CU
• Alyssa Walford, South Metro FCU   
• Amanda Cook, SouthPoint Financial CU    
• Amy Weisz, St. Cloud Financial CU
• Mitchell Bires, TruStone Financial CU
• Leslie Wood, TruStone Financial CU             
• Kris Olson, TruStone Financial CU
• Jonathan Teschendorf, TruStone Financial CU      
• Jennifer Rathke, WESTconsin CU    
• Max Wagner, Wings Financial CU

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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.