Deadline for Trailblazers Executive Readiness Program Approaching; 2023-24 Trailblazers Highlighted

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. 

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 will be facilitated by both experts in the field and current credit union leaders. Upon completion participants will receive a Minnesota Credit Union Executive Leadership Certification. 

The cohort will meet 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 is July 26, 2024. ​

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Top, left to right: Erin Mecklin, Miranda Anderson. Bottom, left to right: Becky Walker, Staci Norby

​​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. 

Erin Mecklin, Vice President Operations, Two Harbors Federal Credit Union 
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
Originally starting at the credit union was a part time job to help support my family but has turned into a fruitful and lifelong passion. THFCU really has the member at the heart of everything we do and the constant support we give to our community shows how much our area really means to all of us at THFCU.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
Trailblazers has added to my toolbox in so many ways. I continue to learn and advance in my daily path at THFCU. This year has already been a year of changes for me going into an executive role and Trailblazers has given me a bit more confidence in what I do in my role.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
My favorite part of Trailblazers is meeting peers from different credit unions from all over the state. That is one part of credit unions I admire the most is the collaboration and networking even as we are competitors. 

Miranda Anderson, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Marketing, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I have always been a full-time working mom. I chose to work at organizations and in roles that made a difference in the community we were raising our family. Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union does this through helping people improve their financial well-being, giving back to the community and serving the business community. Tangibly, this was lived out when my two oldest teenagers recently sat down with our local branch manager to learn more about building their credit scores. One opening a joint credit card and the other a credit builder loan. My daughter has been a credit union member since she was born 18 years ago and already has a credit score of 721. MMFCU is meeting our Mission with her! I am confident we are doing similar things everyday for the members we serve. 

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazers program gave me an opportunity to step away from my role and dig deeper into the business components that make credit unions successful. It also provided an opportunity to connect with other credit union leaders in our state. Build relationships and learn from each other. 

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I enjoyed finding new insights and bringing them back to my organization. We all have opportunities to grow and improve. This program was a safe place to do this.

Becky Walker, SVP/Director of Retail Branches, TruStone Financial
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
I appreciate that we prioritize member satisfaction over profit, we are community focused, we offer a supportive work culture and that there are great opportunities for professional growth and development.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I feel the credit union industry is very unique in the way we support each other even if we are competitors in the industry. The Trailblazer program is great testament to this. I really enjoyed getting to know the participants, what they do in their roles and the similarities and differences in the way we run our businesses. I do feel that we will continue to support and be resources for each other for years to come.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I really enjoyed the asset liability and call report presentations.

Staci Norby, VP Cambridge, Minnco Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I love making a difference in our members lives. I've been in the credit union industry for 30+ years. I started as a teller, then a loan officer and now VP Minnco, Cambridge branch. I've always enjoyed working with members to fulfill their financial needs. Being in the industry, for 30 years I've been able to watch our members grow from teenagers to young adults with families. It's been rewarding to help members purchase their first car to their first home.

​How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer program has given me more confidence in my leadership role. I've had the opportunity to learn from other credit union professionals in their specialized areas. Having this newfound knowledge will broaden my perspective in ways that can help grow our credit union and the credit union industry.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have enjoyed getting to know other credit union leaders throughout Minnesota. Having these new connections and knowing that we are all here to help each other is encouraging.

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