By Lisa Hochgraf
As we prepared to host Thanksgiving for 18 a few weeks back, I found my "Meal, Ready to Eat" as I was getting down the chafing dishes.
Commonly known as an "MRE," this is a self-contained, individual ration in lightweight packaging given to U.S. service members for use when organized food facilities are not available. Here's a picture of it:
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CUES President/CEO Fred Johnson, who retires Dec. 31, gave an MRE to everyone on the CUES staff a while back, and mine had been tucked away on the shelf for some time. "Wow!" I thought. "Fred's legacy is in action already, reminding me to 'be prepared.' I wonder what part of his leadership will crop up next?"
Already in the frame of mind to reflect on legacy and leadership, I flew to Madison to attend The Nov. 29 reception honoring Johnson's 23 years of service to CUES. During that event, the CUES building was named "The Fred Johnson Center for Leadership Development" and Johnson's many contributions to professional development for credit union executives were noted and praised.
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Incoming CUES President/CEO Charles E. Fagan, III, who will take the reins Jan. 2, said he was confident about his new assignment--and then he saw the long list of Johnson's accomplishments, including the establishment of CEO Institute and the Center for Credit Union Board Excellence.
"Pressure is a privilege," Fagan said. "The greatest appreciation we can show is to grow that legacy."
Thanks to Johnson and his legacy, I've been reminded to be ready for the unexpected happenings on the path to success.
As CUES heads off to work on the next great thing in professional development for credit union executives, please take a moment to reflect on Johnson's career, and make a note of how his legacy has inspired you in the past and what it might mean for the future--yours and that of the movement.
Lisa Hochgraf is a CUES editor.
A great way to support Johnson's legacy is with a contribution to the Fred Johnson Scholarship Fund, which helps CU leaders attend CUES' CEO Institute. To contribute, please send your tax-deductable donation to NCUF, Attn: Fred Johnson Scholarship Fund, 5710 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705.
