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Advance your credit union career with Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training. This 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 deadline to apply is Friday, July 29. With questions, contact Mara Humphrey , Andrea Molnau or Ben Hering. 2021-2022 TrailblazersAhead of the graduation of the first cohort of MnCUN’s Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program in September, we will be highlighting the credit union professionals participating in the inaugural year of the program.  Kerri Barsness Vice President of Lending, South Metro Federal Credit Union Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? Credit Unions provide the highest quality member service and offer the best deposit and loan rates in the industry. We exist to serve our members, which is perfectly in line with my personal values. How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? The deeper dive into areas of the Credit Union where I have not had direct experience has been enlightening and I feel I am better equipped as a leader with that additional knowledge. Having this overall knowledge will enable me to foster stronger relationships and understanding inter-departmentally. What have you enjoyed most about the program? I've enjoyed the camaraderie with my Fellow Trailblazers, as well as the wealth of knowledge each has shared with the group.  Caitlin Brama Branch Manager, Financial One Credit Union Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? Honestly, initially to get the heck out of retail. 8 years later I have stayed in credit unions because of the impact and the ability to create a difference in the lives our our members and our communities. Being a part of the credit union movement feels natural and genuinely fills my cup. Whether it is educating a member on how to manage their finances, build their credit, or volunteering at our local food shelf, being a part of the giveback is very humbling. How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? Participating in the Trailblazer Executive Readiness Program has exposed the cohort to the management functionality on a platform that is palatable no matter the position any of us currently hold. Specifically for me as a Branch Manager, I have a more in-depth understanding surrounding the main pillars of what contributes to credit unions functioning successfully: leadership, accounting/finance, operations, and strategic planning. Within my career thus far, I primarily have front office experience. The sessions from this program have contributed to making me a more well-rounded employee, has set me up for success for future promotions, and to be that much more of an asset to my team at Financial One, our members, and the movement. What have you enjoyed most about the program? The collaboration between different credit unions and peers, and the in-depth exposure/training of finances, strategic planning, operations, and leadership. It's pretty great having a cohort with the range of titles held from CEO all the way down. We have had the opportunity to share our knowledge and share what we don't know. The learning environment has allowed us to thrive and continue to grow for the benefit of our own organizations and the credit union movement. We will be walking away from this program more knowledgeable and more ready to continue to make the best decisions for our members and communities.  Andrew Deans Mortgage Servicing Manager, Hiway Credit Union Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? I truly believe in the people helping people motto of credit unions. The credit union model for banking and being a not for profit organization really is amazing. Having a focus on what is in the best interest for our members really motivates me to be better both at work and in the community. How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? It has given me great insight into aspects of the credit union I do not see regularly. My hope is to take the information I have learned of the last year and put it to practice in my career. It has also given me a network of 30 colleagues to utilize as a resources when needed. What have you enjoyed most about the program? The content focus was exactly where I needed to help fill in gaps I had personally. But the best part of the program was the cohort of like minded professionals and the connections we have built over the last year.  Dylan Gergen
AVP Accounting and Finance, SPIRE Credit Union Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? To improve the financial landscape for our members and our future. How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? Gaining a vast array of knowledge and experiences from my cohort members has been invaluable to my development as a leader. The networking opportunities this program has provided me will continue to assist in that development throughout my entire career. What have you enjoyed most about the program? Seeing first hand the true sense of community and unity that exists within the credit union industry. Comments are closed.
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