My Journey to Credit Union Leadership: Jessica Brown of Unitus Community Credit Union

Name: Jessica Brown

Credit union: Unitus Community Credit Union ($1.7 billion, Portland, Ore.)

Title: Vice President/Chief Human Resources Officer

Age: 42

Number of years at current credit union: Five

Educational background: MBA, Concordia University and Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Washburn University; SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications

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

Brown: I am responsible for strategic leadership and alignment of all human resource functions including talent acquisition and management, workplace diversity, employee relations, organizational development, policy making, compliance, and employee and executive compensation and benefits.

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

Brown: I was drawn to the credit union industry due to its focus on community impact and member well-being as well as its alignment with my values of fostering positive organizational cultures. The industry’s “here to help” philosophy also aligns with my own style as a leader and team player.

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

Brown: I think my eagerness to continue to grow is one of my strongest attributes. While I have extensive HR experience, I believe it’s crucial to learn from those around me to help deepen my leadership skills. Creating a culture of care and leading with empathy are top priorities for me as I dive into this executive team role.

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

Brown: I have been fortunate in my career to have some amazing colleagues, mentors and managers along the way. We spend a significant portion of our time in the work environment. Creating meaningful connections with others allows you to share in the daily successes and struggles that may arise. The trust you build allows you to ask for and provide feedback that shapes professional development and growth on a continuous basis.

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

Brown: In my executive role, strategic decision-making and leadership responsibilities take precedence, requiring a broader perspective on organizational goals and industry trends. While my previous role involved hands-on operational aspects and team management, the executive level demands a more comprehensive understanding of the business landscape and the ability to navigate complexities at a higher organizational level.

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

Brown: One challenge with joining the executive team was gaining a deep understanding of the broader organizational strategy and strategic goals. To overcome this, I focus on engaging in collaboration with other executives, actively participating in strategic planning sessions and meetings, and asking questions to ensure I understand thoroughly. Building strong relationships and leveraging the expertise of my colleagues is also allowing me to bridge knowledge gaps.

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

Brown: I would say it aligns most with the Servant Leadership style. Leading by example and creating strong relationships with individuals is important to me. I prioritize open communication, a culture of transparency and inclusivity focused on our shared values.

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

Brown: Yes, the pandemic has brought about significant changes in how I approach my job. Remote work considerations, employee well-being and adapting policies to evolving circumstances have become essential. There’s a heightened focus on flexibility, mental health support and ensuring effective communication in a distributed work environment. The pandemic has underscored the importance of agility and adaptability in leadership and HR strategies.

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

Brown: I aim to further elevate the impact of HR strategies on overall organizational success. This involves staying attuned to industry trends, evolving leadership practices and emerging technologies that can enhance HR functions. Exploring opportunities for professional growth, cultivating innovation within the HR field and fostering a culture of continuous improvement will remain my goals as I navigate the landscape of executive leadership.

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

Brown: My overarching goal is to contribute to the credit union’s success by fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. I aim to implement strategic initiatives that enhance employee engagement, talent development and overall organizational effectiveness. By doing so, I hope to empower our staff to deliver excellent service to our members and ensure Unitus continues to be an Employer of Choice.

On a broader scale, I aspire to lead initiatives that strengthen the credit union’s community impact. [This includes] developing programs that align with our corporate social responsibility goals, supporting financial education and actively participating in community development projects.

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

Brown: I would encourage my younger self to trust in my capabilities, seek continuous learning opportunities and build strong professional relationships; they’re key to long-term success in any career.

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.