Those first born into the millennial generation in the early 1980s are climbing up into the executive ranks, and a few have become CEOs of their credit unions. While baby boomer CEOs made invaluable contributions to the movement, millennial leaders understand they need to lead differently than their predecessors to help the industry survive.

Three millennial CEOs shared insights into how they use a collaborative management style over executive "command and control" to attract and retain millennial talent and members to grow loans. They also shared why being a little quirky over stuffy and formal can help credit unions stand out from the blank bank landscape, and what they think may strengthen the industry's future growth.

Sam Crane was only 31 when he was named president/CEO of Grand County Credit Union in Moab, Utah, and he was scared to death.