Highlighting the 2023-2024 Trailblazer Cohort

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. ​

Ashley Fish, Vice President, Virginia Coop Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I love helping people and I also have a passion for the financial industry, and working at a credit union is the best of both worlds. I also love seeing the impact I can make on our members' lives when I am able to help them.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? 
​I believe this will assist me in my role as Vice President by being able to see the big picture of my credit union's growth and goals, and also being able to have knowledge of every aspect of the credit union's operations.

​What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have so enjoyed getting to know my fellow Trailblazers! I know I have made several connections that will continue to flourish into great professional relationships!

Tim McNeil, VP Mortgage Sales and Operations, Blaze Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I have been working with banks for most of my career and felt it would be a good time to switch to a credit union culture, best choice ever!

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? 
It has helped me see many different credit unions and how they currently conduct business, large and small. This helps provide me a more diverse picture of how business is being conducted.
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What have you enjoyed most about the program? 
Getting to know the people within the credit union space!

Maria Corradi Haines, AVP Operations, Northern Communities Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
In today's increasingly digital world, I feel like a lot of us are missing a sense of community, and I've found some of that within the credit union movement. We're people helping people. I believe that credit unions offer a unique and valuable alternative to traditional banking institutions, and I find it gratifying to be part of something that helps make the financial space a more inclusive place for all.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? 
I feel like I have a better understanding of how all areas of a credit union operate and how to best connect day-to-day operations with the overall strategic direction of the organization.

What have you enjoyed most about the program? 
My favorite part of the program was our in-person sessions. I love the collaborative nature of credit unions in general, and I found a lot of value in the material that was presented while also being able to share ideas and discuss various topics with fellow cohorts and the presenters.

Janell Rewitzer, Senior Vice President - Chief Operating Officer, Northwoods Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I’ve chosen a career in credit unions because I love the credit union philosophy of people helping people. I am a part of a great organization that has helped improve our members’ lives and our community in many ways and I am proud of that. 

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer program has been a great way for me to gain experience and knowledge in all areas of the credit union. This program has allowed me to learn about all different aspects of a credit union and how each department and all working parts of a credit union come together to be successful. This program has also enhanced my leadership skills and helped me gain confidence for leading my credit union.

​What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I’ve enjoyed learning about other parts of the credit union that I haven’t had much experience with yet in my career. I’ve also enjoyed networking with fellow Trailblazers and learning about them, their roles, and their credit unions.