My Journey to Credit Union Leadership: Carmen Wooley of Affinity Credit Union

Name: Carmen Wooley

Credit Union: Affinity Credit Union ($145 million, Des Moines, Iowa)

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Age: 33

Time at current credit union: Two months

Educational background: B.S. in Communication Studies from Iowa State University; B.S. in Accounting from Simpson College (Indianola, Iowa); MBA from Quincy University (Quincy, Ill.)

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

Wooley: To direct the financial affairs of the credit union; oversee general accounting, investments, financial reporting and budgeting; and serve as an HR liaison. I also establish major economic and financial objectives and policies for the credit onion.

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

Wooley: I began my career at the Iowa Credit Union League in 2015. I was not very familiar with the credit union industry, except that my parents were members of a credit union in Illinois. Once I started in the accounting department, I was amazed at how much credit unions do not only for their members, but for their communities as well! I love the credit union motto of ‘people helping people,’ and people matter.

CU Times: What unique skills, experience and attributes do you bring to the C-suite?

Wooley: My communication. I have a degree in communications that I think goes hand in hand with the skill sets needed for my role. It is important for me to be able to clearly communicate with other departments, members and team members, not just in financial lingo.

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

Wooley: I honestly have been so blessed by my circle of people. My parents and sisters have encouraged me since I was a little one (I am the youngest of three). My friends, who have always been my support and cheerleaders when at 19 I said I wanted to be an executive someday. Coworkers who have came into my life and have been mentors, friends and coaches to help me succeed. My extended family always said they knew I was going to get where I wanted to be. And saving the best for last, my husband, Chris. He has been with me through going back to school to get another degree, and with me when I finished my MBA with a newborn and full-time job. He really deserves so much credit for always believing in me and encouraging me when I faced challenges. Also, my sweet little girl, Kamryn Lynn. She is the one who keeps motivating me to reach my goals and to show her she can and will be able to do anything she wants.

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

Wooley: I think for me, personally, it’s thinking more at a strategic level. Not to get into the weeds, and to trust your team while delegating tasks.

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

Wooley: A mix of coaching and visionary.

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

Wooley: To continue to learn and create new skill sets at an executive level. I would like to be CEO of a credit union in five to seven years.

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

Wooley: I really hope to start a mentorship program for young professionals, especially young women and those who are working moms. [I'd like to] create a community for women made of women to support, encourage, and give each other resources and tools to continue to succeed in our careers when we have other responsibilities outside of our careers.

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

Wooley: To continue to believe in yourself. You will come across people who will believe in you, help guide you and give you the tools/resources to help you succeed. You will also come across people who will not. Do not let them dim your light. Continue your success story.

Would you or someone you know like to share your journey to credit union leadership? Please reach out to Natasha Chilingerian at nchilingerian@cutimes.com. 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.