CUNA Management School: Second Year
Testimonials

WHAT PAST ATTENDEES SAY

"Exposure to other operational areas of the credit union and the invaluable networking experience this school creates are valuable. You learn just as much, if not more, from your peers as you do from the Instructors. The program gave me a clearer understanding of the "big picture", or rather the whole operational outlook. It has helped me to open my eyes outside my area of expertise. I'm becoming more involved in financial areas of the Credit Union - after two years in the program - the ALM meetings, and forecasts are making sense to me! The experience is wonderful and I would highly recommend it for any employee looking to make a career in the Credit Union industry."
— Tracy Gates, Operations (formerly HR Director), First American Credit Union, WI

"The most valuable tool I got from attending this program is the networking with other credit unions. The variety of credit unions that attend make this class a success. It is interesting to go around and hear how others do things. From a one man shop to a multi- million dollar credit union and all those in between. Not only the discussions in class on different topics but the discussions that occur on breaks, during dinner, etc are invaluable! Doing my project was long but I learned so much from it about my credit union. It helps to understand why things happen and how things affect other things. From financial info to HR info. It helps put it all in perspective. I think it is a good experience for anyone in management to attend. This is the first year we have sent someone from our credit union and we plan on sending more."
— Joannie Bruns, VP of Member Service, Linn Area Credit Union, IA

"I believe the most valuable experience I learned from CMS was the networking with all the other credit union employees. Learning what and how they do things and how I might be able to use that in my own Credit Union. I really think it has opened more horizons or I am looking at everything differently now."
— Patty Kleinsasser, Manager, Dakota Catholic Federal Credit Union, SD

"I believe that it forces you to think more strategically and not focus so much on what you do. It makes you see what effect you have on others, both other employees and members. The projects taught me a great deal about my credit union and about myself."
— Michele Myrick, CPA, Executive Director of Finance, E&A Credit Union, MI

"CUNA does a very good job. Interaction with fellow students in this concentrated environment lends to the experience. The two projects are important components. I would recommend this school to employees aspiring to reach the vice-president and president level. I'm a consistent proponent of continuing education. I think CUNA does a very good job of keeping training opportunities in front of us. Thanks."
— Nick Meyer, President, Minnesota Valley FCU, MN

"I most enjoyed the opportunity to talk with people from other credit unions and hear about their experiences and problems. I come from a fairly large credit union but it was so inspiring to see and hear those from the smaller 'one man shops'."
— Constance M. Percifield, Branch Manager, Indiana University Employees Federal Credit Union, IN

"The ropes challenge course was an awesome way for us to begin the week. I enjoyed pushing it to the limit. The technical writing class on the last day was the best. The classroom facilities are excellent. The program places things in perspective for me. I appreciate my role at the CU. I am working on our annual planning session. There is a large amount of data gathering that I am completing for our project that we will be able to use in our planning session. I am taking time to work on building a stronger team. CMS has taught me how important it is to build and prepare a team to handle a variety of tasks. I am more comfortable speaking in support team meetings due to the increased confidence gained by participating in CMS classes and events. I would recommend the program. I was initially skeptical that I would really benefit by spending two weeks away from work, family, and friends. The program is very rewarding. The opportunities to peer network are excellent. I have made some life long friends."
— Shay Santos, AVP Finance, Dane County Credit Union, WI

"I found that meeting the contacts has been one of the most important attributes.The ALM session was the most beneficial on a daily basis to consider the risks of interest rates. We are starting a program at my CU to get a management training program up and running. CMS would play a huge role in the program. I have recommended it to a number of other CU employees."
— Tim Ingalls, Loan Supervisor, Sioux Empire Federal Credit Union, SD

"I find myself more organized. Having to still meet the demands of my job and completing my first year project has forced me to be very consicious of how I spend my time. In researching the history of my credit union, I am more aware of how my time here is just a part of the total history of my credit union. Also, we tend to focus only on our jobs and not look at the credit union as a whole. Many of the classes had nothing to do with my day-to-day tasks yet allow me to understand why some decisions are made. In working on my project I have a much greater understanding of areas out of my job area."
— Bob Boucher, Central Lending Manager, Charter Oak FCU, CT

For more program content information or to request a brochure call 800-356-9655, ext. 4249, or email elearning@cuna.coop. For registration questions, call 800-356-9655, ext.4400 or e-mail reginfo@cuna.coop.