FT. WORTH, Texas–Female CEOs from credit unions with assets of less than $300 million have come together to launch the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA).
Organizers said the objective is to create a critically important support system to share best practices, offer opportunities for mentorship, better support the communities they serve, and more.
“Access to a trusted support system is a key factor in the sustainability of smaller credit unions, that, I believe, are the backbone of the credit union movement,” said Lily Newfarmer, president and CEO of Tarrant County’s Credit Union, and founder of the CUWLA and its initial board chair.
In a statement, the organization said CEOs of smaller credit unions face unique challenges that are often best understood by those in a similar position. “Smaller credit unions have all the same responsibilities, bottom line pressures, and compliance mandates of larger credit unions, but with the added burden of having to wear multiple hats,” the CUWLA said. “Many smaller credit unions are led by women, who must overcome their own set of hurdles within the financial services sector.”
‘Avenue to Preserve & Sustain’
According to the CUWLA, it provides an avenue to help preserve and sustain smaller credit unions. The initiative is an “unprecedented effort to recognize and unite women CEOs in the lower asset categories, in an attempt to give voice to their concerns and provide opportunities to leverage economies of scale within their credit unions,” the organization said.
Added Newfarmer, “By creating a support system such as CUWLA, women who run smaller credit unions will not only have opportunities to grow on a personal and professional level, but also have the needed tools to help them grow their credit unions and better serve their members.”
The Founders
In addition to Newfarmer, other organizers of the CUWLA include:
- Linda Bodie of Element FCU, Charleston, WV.
- Amy Brodersen of Family Focus FCU, Omaha.
- Debi Keesee of Spokane Media FCU, Spokane, Wash.
- Maria Martinez of Border Federal CU, Del Rio, Texas
- Winona Nava of Guadalupe CU, Santa FE, N.M.
- Jan Page of Community South CU, Chipley, Fla.
- Carma Parrish of NorthPark Community CU, Indianapolis.
- Tammy Passifume of Diamond Lakes FCU, Hot Springs, Ark.
- Teri Robinson of Ironworkers USA FCU, Portland, Ore.
- Lynette Smith of TruEnergy FCU, Springfield, Va.
- Heather Walter of Advanz CU, Louisville.
- Linda White of Upward CU, Burlingame, Calif.
The organization thanked both CUNA and CUNA Mutual Group for their support.
For info: www.CUWLA.org.