My Journey to Credit Union Leadership: Melissa Doebert of Kohler Credit Union

Name: Melissa Doebert

Credit union: Kohler Credit Union ($609 million, Sheboygan, Wis.)

Title: Chief People Officer

Number of years at current credit union: 11

Educational background: MBA from Lakeland University in Plymouth, Wis., Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wis.

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

Doebert: I am responsible for shaping our people strategy beyond compensation and benefits. I work to ensure we have a positive culture where team members can be themselves and thrive in what they are doing. In addition to wearing my HR hat, I am a member of our executive team and contribute to our overall business success.

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

Doebert: Having been a member for my whole life, I have always felt supported when interacting with my credit union. Now that I am in the industry, I have the opportunity to see first hand how people- and community-focused the industry is. I feel lucky to be part of an organization that aligns with my values.

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

Doebert: While I have human resource experience from several different industries, I think the one thing I bring that is even more important is my drive to learn. I want to understand how our business works, how our team members feel about coming to work, and what our communities need from us both from an employment standpoint as well as a financial partner standpoint.

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

Doebert: I credit my success to mentors and colleagues who provided guidance and opportunities for growth. Specifically, our CEO plays a pivotal role in my career development by offering valuable insights and unwavering support. He allows me to try new things without fear of failure.

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

Doebert: The shift to an executive role brought a heightened focus on strategic decision-making and organizational leadership. Human resource careers don’t operate in silos because we are responsible for the employee experience of the whole organization, however, I now share the responsibility for shaping the credit union’s long-term vision and ensuring its financial and organizational health.

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

Doebert: I needed to understand our business at a much deeper level and had to get up to speed very quickly. So, I listened, a lot. I asked questions to better understand what we were doing and why. I partnered with my colleagues to understand their business and find ways where I could help.

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

Doebert: My leadership style is collaborative and results-driven. I believe in empowering my team, encouraging transparency and leveraging each of their strengths to achieve our goals.

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

Doebert: I wouldn’t say my approach has changed, as I have always focused on our team members’ well-being. However, the pandemic has necessitated a more adaptable leadership approach. We have put a greater emphasis on remote collaboration and digital innovation.

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

Doebert: Doing what I am doing, where I am doing it is more than I could have ever dreamed of. I love what I do and the people I work with. I enjoy the challenges we face as a team and the aspirations we have. My career goal would be to continue to grow as an executive leader, putting people first.

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

Doebert: I want to shape our culture [to a place] where people enjoy coming to work, where they feel heard and where they are comfortable being who they are. This, no doubt, will change the way the organization interacts with our members and communities.

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

Doebert: I would advise my younger self to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, to ask questions, and to maintain a balance between ambition and mindfulness. Building strong relationships and staying adaptable are also key to long-term success.

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.