2 minutes
Meet the 2018 CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec Top 10
Mackenzie Schultz
Loan Processor
$550 million Blackhawk Community Credit Union
Janesville, Wis.
Follow Mackenzie on Twitter: @NTCUEmackenzie
Connect with her on LinkedIn
Watch Mackenzie’s NTCUE video
Give us the elevator speech about your project (as in how would you describe your project to someone you meet in an elevator?):
My project is a comprehensive alternative to the payday lending lifestyle. The cause behind someone needing a payday loan could stem from misinformation, mismanagement of money or unfortunate circumstances that force them into a less than ideal situation. From budget counseling to an affordable small dollar loan, we are working with members to get them back into a sustainable lifestyle.
What is your long-term career goal?
Long term, I am looking to be in a position that inspires me and motivates me to be my best self. I am unsure of the specific direction I want to take my career in, and I’m not sure where I want to end up. But as long as I have passion and reason, I will be happy no matter where I am.
Fill in the dots: The future of credit unions will be bright if ...
… we continue to innovate. The world around us is changing by the minute, and credit unions need to keep up, not only to stay relevant but to serve our members in the best ways possible.
What my generation brings to the credit union movement is …
… fresh ideas! The “millennial” generation was raised in a way that nobody has experienced before. We are tech-savvy, quick-moving, and our heads are always swiveling. We don’t like to do things “the old way.” A new perspective can really shake a business up, for the good.
People consider me a leader because …
I never say no, and I always explain why. I won’t turn down the opportunity to answer a question or work on projects, even if they are out of my wheelhouse. I love to learn and pass that information along. I want people to learn and grow with me.
Who is your hero and why?
My hero is my co-worker, Lindsey. She has taught me a lot in the last year about how to work hard, keep my nose to the grindstone and focus on myself, all while making the member experience the best it can be. She is smart, has a willingness to share her knowledge and truly cares if people understand what’s going on. Lindsey is a mother figure, friend and mentor all rolled into one. I admire her work ethic and knowledge and her willingness to always give an answer. In fact, she is the reason I never say no to anything and take on any opportunity that I can, so I can one day be like her. She is truly an inspiration to not only me, but our entire organization, and we are very lucky to have her on board.
Who is a must-follow on Twitter?
Warren Buffett
What is your favorite CUES member benefit? Or, if you are a new CUES member, what benefit are you most looking forward to using?
The free webinars
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Online voters and a panel of past finalists narrowed the CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec field from 23 to the Top 10 applicants. The challenge, held in conjunction with DDJ Myers and powered by Currency, searches for emerging leaders age 35 and under from within the credit union industry. The Top 10 will blog about their project. And to provide additional value to the competition experience, they’ll each receive an executive coaching session from DDJ Myers, a CUESolutions provider for succession planning, executive recruitment and leadership coaching services. A judging panel of two CUES members and Deedee Myers of DDJ Myers will then score the Top 10’s applications and blog posts, narrowing the competition to five finalists. The five finalists will receive additional coaching, airfare, accommodation and registration to CUES’ CEO/Executive Team Network™, November 5-7, in Nashville, Tenn., where they will give their final presentations. The 2018 CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec will receive further coaching, airfare, accommodation and registration for two CUES’ CEO Institutes, a total prize package valued at $20,000. |
