4 minutes
Meet the 2014 CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec Top 15
Online voters and a panel of past finalists narrowed the CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec field from 24 to the Top 15 applicants. The challenge, held in conjunction with DDJ Myers and administered by Currency, searches for emerging leaders age 35 and under from within the credit union industry.
The Top 15 will blog about their project on www.nexttopcreditunionexec.com. And to provide additional value to the competition experience, they'll each receive an executive coaching session from DDJ Myers, a CUES Supplier member and strategic provider. A judging panel of two CUES members and Deedee Myers of DDJ Myers will then score the Top 15'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, Nov. 2-5 in Amelia Island, Fla., where they will give their final presentations. The 2014 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.
For the next several weeks, we'll be checking in with the Top 15 to see how their project is going and learn a bit more about these next generation leaders.
Noel Andrew Sanger, CSE
Market Vice President
$1.7 billion United Federal Credit Union
Fort Smith, Ark.
Follow Noel on Twitter @playingwisely
Follower him on LinkedIn
Watch Noel’s CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec video
Give us the elevator speech about your project (as in how would you describe your project to someone you meet in an elevator?):
Inspirational leadership, advocacy and mentorship are three areas everyone in our credit union movement can do to make sure we have growth in the future. Every movement needs a motivational leader who can bring a positive aspect to every situation. We need to talk about the movement to our local government, businesses and anyone who will listen. Advocacy is as easy as telling your story on how we helped a member. Finally, mentorship (or should I say coaching our future leaders?) is absolutely a necessity to making sure of opportunities in the future. Young professionals are our future leaders and decision makers. In all, leadership, advocacy and mentorship are the three keys to the future success of credit unions!
What is your long-term career goal?
My passion has always been to lead and this translates into the credit union environment. As a market vice president, I have the opportunity to lead a team of 35+ employees directly and indirectly in the Arkansas market. The long-term plan would be a COO or CEO of a growing credit union while being a major advocate for the movement. I have the opportunity to see leaders in the movement, such as CUES member Gary Easterling, CCE, United FCU’s CEO, and Jim Phelps, VP/advocate at the Cornerstone Credit Union League, as mentors. They have shown me two different aspects that I would hope to combine in my future role.
Fill in the dots: The future of credit unions will be bright if ...
Young leaders inspire, advocate and mentor! This is exactly what I want to discuss in this competition. Also, the networking that has started due to this competition is exciting. I have already connected with most of the #ntcue finalist to share ideas.
What my generation brings to the credit union movement is …
Innovation, collaboration and more excitement. Every generation has this and due to our mentors, we will carry this on even more. Social connection allows us to collaborate, which will create more innovation! I have had the opportunity to join The Cooperative Trust and network with other credit union professionals worldwide.
People consider me a leader because …
Of three characteristics: competitive, futuristic and inspirational. I make everything a friendly competition which motivates people to do more. Doing the same thing over and over becomes stagnant. I want our teams to be innovative! I also believe in looking at the future. Everything you do today will have an effect on tomorrow. Every ripple in water can become a wave. Finally, inspiration is something I try to coach to every day. We all have obstacles in our way and we need to find solutions to pass them. If you are inspired to move forward, where will you go?
Who is your hero and why?
My father, Andrew Charles Sanger, Jr. is an amazing man. He served 29 years in the Air Force, was promoted to a Chief Master Sergeant, all while earning his MBA. He never complained, was very humble and always expected more out of me. I strive every day to be a loving father and leader as he is today.
Who is a must-follow on Twitter?
@MattMonge His motivational stories and scenarios are always a pleasure to read. You can take his tweets and apply them to everyday life. Thank You Matt Monge!
Does your credit union have Twitter/Facebook/YouTube/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram other social media accounts?
What is your favorite CUES member benefit? Or, if you are a new CUES NextGen member, what benefit are you most looking forward to using?
The institutes CUES offers are outstanding! I was able to attend the CUES School of Applied Strategic Management and earn my CSE while networking with credit union professionals across the country! This was amazing and I continue to have contacts with them on a regular basis.
