In my experience in being a follower of strong leaders, ... I’ve seen how powerful it is [to ask for help] in terms of driving engagement with people. And I’ve tried to role model that as well, because I think people respond well to vulnerability.

Cheryl Middleton Jones

Blog

A Hole in our Hearts

By Fred Johnson

This past Friday, CUES member and good friend Defarra (Dean) Gaymon, CCE, was tragically killed while in New Jersey to attend his 30^th high school reunion. Dean was the CEO of the Credit Union of Atlanta, a graduate of CUES CEO Institute, and a central figure in the "I am CUES" campaign (see his story here). Dean's colleagues and classmates remember him as an achievement-oriented CEO, yet always concerned about his staff and credit union members. I could never remember seeing Dean without that trademark smile and inner warmth that made you comfortable and lucky to be his friend. All of us here at CUES mourn his loss and keep his family in our prayers. He is sorely missed and we have a hole in our hearts.

Fred Johnson is president and CEO of CUES.