My Journey to Credit Union Leadership: Leslie Rorie of LAFCU

Name: Leslie Rorie

Credit Union: LAFCU ($1 billion, Lansing, Mich.)

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Number of years at current credit union: One and a half

Educational background: Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Hampton University in Hampton, Va.

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

Rorie: In short, to build a solid financial foundation from which big-picture decisions can be made. This includes but is not limited to producing timely and accurate financial statements, understanding LAFCU’s needs through asset and liability management, mentoring my peers and team, and forecasting and budgeting.

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

Rorie: A family friend from church worked at a credit union and offered me an internship. The credit union’s philosophy of ‘people helping people’ has resonated and stuck with me since I started in the industry over three decades ago – that mission of helping others has caused me to never look back.

CU Times: What unique skills, experience and attributes do you bring to your role?

Rorie: Amazing organizational and time management skills! I have worked in every role in a credit union except for CEO. Having firsthand experience and knowledge of how each function and role fits into the larger picture of an organization has provided me with the foundation for my current role.

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

Rorie: Mary Newby for introducing me to the movement. Bob Cindrich, Dan Mahalak and Pat Spyke for taking a chance on me. Scott Kreinbring for always looking out for me. And, all my friends and family who saw something in me when I couldn’t see it myself.

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

Rorie: One of the most significant differences was shifting my mindset from executing someone else’s strategy to developing a strategy and executing it, as well as using my voice and it finally being heard. It’s a blessing to share my point of view and expertise, and have others find value in that.

CU Times: What’s a challenge you faced when you first joined your executive team, and how did you overcome it?

Rorie: Public speaking, believe it or not. I’m a little shy. However, I can tell my confidence has grown tremendously, and so has my ability to speak up and use my voice in just these past few months.

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

Rorie: My leadership style is built on relationships and collaboration. I get to know my team and help bring out their best.

CU Times: Do you approach your job any differently now compared to how you did pre-pandemic?

Rorie: No, not really.

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

Rorie: I don’t know what the future holds, as not that long ago, I did not even see this opportunity as a possibility. I take it one day at a time and take advantage of every opportunity.

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

Rorie: I want to make a positive impact overall and make it a better place than it was when I began.

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

Rorie: Take advantage of every opportunity. Be kind and fair, you’ll be amazed at who will support you. And, be patient – your time will come.

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.