Age: 38

Number of years at current credit union: Three

Educational background: Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration & International Business, Ball State University (Muncie, Ind.)

CU Times: What are your key responsibilities in your current role?

Christine Mayes

Mayes: One of my key responsibilities is to power our company's mission and vision by developing and expanding relationships with credit unions. I focus on creating engagements that demonstrate and communicate Corporate One's value to our members, potential members and industry partners. Most importantly, I ensure that our members' voices are brought to our leadership team, heard and used to set the strategy for our organization.

CU Times: What drew you to the credit union industry?

Mayes: It happened organically. During my tenure with my previous company, I engaged with financial institutions through direct sales and sales management roles. I began working with regional-based financial institutions and gradually expanded my reach to working with some of the nation's largest ones. Through this journey, I gained invaluable insights into the unique workings of credit unions and their distinct approach to conducting business. I am deeply passionate about two key aspects of credit unions' culture: Their unwavering focus on helping and giving back to their members instead of solely maximizing profits for shareholders, and their commitment to fostering financial well-being and education for all. These values resonate with me and drive my enthusiasm for working with credit unions. Having spent three years at Corporate One, exclusively working with credit unions, I am wholeheartedly invested in the industry's culture and the profound impact it can have on people's lives.

CU Times: Which person (or people) do you credit the most for helping and supporting you along your career journey?

Mayes: There are many who have helped me along the way, both personally and professionally – it's hard to name them all. I've had great coaches, bosses, peers, friends and family, all of whom, along my journey, provided me with guidance, feedback and confidence to help navigate whatever hurdle I was facing. I would be remiss if I didn't specifically mention my husband, who is one of my biggest cheerleaders in pushing me to pursue new challenges.

CU Times: What are some of the biggest differences between working in your current executive-level role and your previous non-executive roles?

Mayes: I am excited to embrace this new role and be actively involved in decisions that impact the larger organization, which will undoubtedly be one of the biggest differences. This role gives me the opportunity to shape and drive the long-term vision of our corporate, particularly in ways that positively impact our valued members. Undeniably, this aspect also presents its fair share of challenges, but I am eager to embrace them as they will serve as valuable opportunities for growth and development. I welcome collaborating with the skilled and established executive leadership team at Corporate One, and I eagerly anticipate working closely with each member of this talented group.

CU Times: How would you describe your current leadership style?

Mayes: I would describe my current leadership style as a blend of democratic and transformational leadership. I believe in actively involving my team members in decision-making, seeking their input and valuing their perspectives. I create an open and collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing their ideas and expertise. I prioritize effective communication, both in providing clear direction and in actively listening to the needs and concerns of my team members. There is always room for improvement, so I seek feedback to continue learning and refining my leadership approach.

CU Times: What's next for you on your executive career journey? Do you have any specific career goals you're working toward?

Mayes: I embrace the exciting opportunity to learn and grow as I enter this new role. My primary goal is to immerse myself in the position, master its intricacies and excel in my responsibilities.

CU Times: What big-picture impact do you hope to make within your credit union, as well as for your members and community?

Mayes: A significant transformative shift in the industry involves the rapid digitization of financial services. To remain relevant, credit unions must adapt to this changing landscape. A big part of my role at Corporate One is to ensure our membership remains relevant, healthy and growing, so being able to help our membership navigate the challenge of digitization, and making those services and the ones we provide affordable and easy to access for members of all sizes, is what I'm looking forward to helping with.

CU Times: What career advice would you give your younger self?

Mayes: Have as much confidence in yourself as others do in you.

Would you or someone you know like to share your journey to credit union leadership? Please reach out to Natasha Chilingerian at [email protected]. To qualify, you must have been placed or promoted into a new senior-level leadership role within the last three years at a credit union.