Applications for the Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program Due Friday

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 third year of the program. ​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.  

​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. The deadline to apply for the next cohort is July 26, 2024. ​

Appy Now

Clockwise: Sarah Kuesel, T.J, Trembley, Dixon Irwin, Michael Brine

Sarah Kuesel, Senior Manager of Remote Services, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I very intentionally moved from a career in private banking to a credit union. Knowing that I work for an organization that prioritizes member needs over profits is incredibly important to me as it aligns with my own core values as a financial professional. I find it incredibly fulfilling to be able to work in such a member focused environment, and haven't looked back since joining my credit union family! 

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer Program has expanded my understanding of credit union operations in areas I was previously unfamiliar. It has also helped me grow stronger in areas in which I was already familiar by giving me a new perspective. I am taking away new strategies for team management and project leadership as well as a stronger understanding of strategy when it comes to compliance and risk management. I've truly enjoyed the personal growth in both knowledge and perspective. This growth will certainly impact my performance and abilities moving ahead, allowing me to continue to grow in my career. 

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have truly enjoyed the material covered in this program. I valued the time many professionals gave to the students in this program as guest speakers, sharing their expertise and giving us a much broader perspective on both the possibilities and responsibilities of credit unions today. And of course, I've truly enjoyed building relationships with other credit union professionals I would have never otherwise met. I've learned as much from them as I have from the materials and speakers. It's been a wonderful experience.

T.J. Trembley, Director of Mortgage Services, City & County Credit Union

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
I have always been in the mortgage industry in one capacity or another. When I started looking into the options available in the credit union world I was learning that it's one big family that enjoys collaborating and growing together and that appealed greatly to me. It's been a breath of fresh air. 

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? 
The Trailblazer program has helped me build my credit union specific knowledge and opened my eyes to how much more there is to gain and grow within my role and the greater credit union space.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Networking, collaboration and growth. Those are the three things I love about the credit union world. The trailblazer program has built a great platform to encourage and foster this for my peers, credit union, and team.

​Dixon Irwin, Data Analyst, Red Wing Credit Union

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
Red Wing Credit Union was a fit in many ways. Red Wing was where I was born and raised, and I saw it as an opportunity to help the community I grew up in. I've learned a lot about how a Credit Union truly helps their members and I'm happy I can be a part of that in my hometown. After interning here in college and I knew RWCU was going to be a great fit for me.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer program will impact my career in many ways. Most importantly, I believe that it has introduced me to the network of wonderful people that work in Credit Unions around our state. The program has also given me insight into becoming a more well-rounded thinker when it comes to all the different facets of our organization.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I've enjoyed this program a lot. As mentioned before, the connections made here are fantastic! We all have different professional backgrounds and different viewpoints on our program's topics coming from institutions of different sizes. I've enjoyed the expertise that was brought in to lead our discussions throughout the year as well.

Michael Brine, Branch Manager AVP, TruStone Financial Credit Union

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I love how Credit Unions put their members and employees first. I previously worked for a "Big Bank". I have seen firsthand the drastic difference in cultures between Credit Unions and Banks. I know that we want what is best for our members, truly care about them and want to help them achieve financial success.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? 
This program has helped give me a holistic view of how Credit Unions operate outside my current role. Credit Unions are great at supporting each other while being competitors at the same time. I believe the knowledge I have learned during this program in addition to the connections I have made will help set me up for success in my career.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have enjoyed learning more about the similarities and differences at other Credit Unions and also the connections I have made with other MN Credit Union Employees. 

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