26-Year AmFirst Veteran 'Just Sees Opportunities, Not Challenges' in New VP Role

Name: Allie Franks

Credit union: America’s First Federal Credit Union ($2.4 billion, Birmingham, Ala.)

Title: Vice President Consumer Loan Operations

Number of years at current credit union: 23 this tour; 26 total

Educational background: Bachelor of Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham; CUNA Management School

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

Franks: My key areas of responsibility are to oversee the daily operations of consumer lending policies, procedures, products and delivery systems. I am a key liaison between internal departments at AmFirst and with our external lending vendors. I look to enhance our efficiencies in procedures and workflows, as well as look for technology solutions to meet our business and operational requirements. I also maintain an active role in our Consumer Lending management team as a member of Loan Committee and Executive Loan Committee.

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

Franks: Honestly, it was pure luck or divine intervention. I was 19 years old when I moved from rural north Alabama to what felt like the metropolis of Birmingham at the time. I got a job at a retail store and a friend I worked with interviewed for a position here at AmFirst. She was hired and called me about an open position, so I applied. Looking back at my 19-year-old self, it had to be divine intervention! But I have stayed here because of several reasons. The AmFirst culture and the friendships that I have made over the years are truly special. When you think of a profession that can improve a person’s life, financial services probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But as credit union employees we see it a little differently. Whether it’s the right product/service, exceptional member service or the community involvement, credit unions make a difference.

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

Franks: Over my tenure with AmFirst, I have had several different positions. I started in collections, then moved into branch operations as a teller. I worked in indirect lending underwriting and funding loans. I eventually became a branch manager and continued in that role until 10 years ago. I think having the different positions over my career has helped me become a well-rounded leader. I know what it’s like for member-facing staff and back-office staff. I understand how everything is somehow entwined together. When I’m working on a new product or project, I’m always thinking about the impact to others. I may have a wonderful idea or product for lending, but if it turns five other departments upside down or if it’s cumbersome for staff to use, it’s not going to seem so wonderful from their point of view.

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

Franks: There are so many people who have supported me on my career journey. First, I would have to thank my parents for setting such high standards across the board. They taught me the value of hard work, integrity and to always give 110%. I would also like to thank my current CEO Bill Connor for being approachable and taking the time to talk to me about my career goals. Not only did he listen, but he implemented a plan for me to grow. I would also like to thank my current SVP Kevin Morris for always supporting me, believing in my abilities and finding ways to push my boundaries. I am grateful for his leadership and the impact it has had on my career trajectory. I also want to express my gratitude to the entire AmFirst team, with whom I get to work with every day. You’re the best!

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

Franks: I’m writing this within a short period of time after receiving my promotion so I’m still in a balancing phase. Going forward, I will need to be less hands-on with some things and focus more on the strategic direction and initiatives of AmFirst. The lending landscape is dynamic and subject to various external factors. Assessing market trends and identifying opportunities will be crucial in determining our lending strategy and goals.

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

Franks: Luckily, I haven’t been faced with a challenge since joining our executive team. I know that my interactions will become more involved at this level, but I honestly don’t see challenges, just opportunities. I know that my fellow team members and I have the same objectives and goals. I have known them for years so with that comes trust and respect. I am excited to have a seat at the table!

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

Franks: I lead by example with a significant emphasis on teamwork. I have high standards for myself and realize that my actions impact my team. I believe in fostering an environment that allows team members to express their ideas and concerns while also empowering them to make decisions. My analogy for my team: Try to keep the car out of the ditch. But if we find ourselves there, I will be standing beside you and pushing just as hard.

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

Franks: I wouldn’t say that I approach my job differently but there are definitely takeaways from it. The pandemic showed me the importance of agility, leveraging all available resources and coming up with creative approaches to meet the needs of our staff and membership. I also think the pandemic highlighted the importance of having flexibility and empathy in your leadership skillset.

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

Franks: I am committed to lifelong learning and have always embraced a growth mindset. I am always thinking about next steps in both my professional and personal growth. I don’t have a certain position or title that I feel I must achieve. My main focus is on learning as much as I can, embracing the challenges, and collaborating with peers for insight. I want to be well-positioned to fulfill any opportunity that comes my way here at AmFirst.

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

Franks: I want to be known within my credit union as a team player. I always want to give back and be a positive influence on the culture that we have here at AmFirst. The culture has kept me here all these years and I believe it is second to none. I hope that you can interview someone 20 years from now and they are still talking about our culture! As far as our members and community, I want to be known for always staying true to AmFirst’s mission and vision statements. Our members and communities are our bread and butter. I pledge to always be member-centric and to offer a wide variety of lending products that will truly improve their lives.

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

Franks: Practice patience. Extend grace to others, and maybe share a little with yourself. It’s OK to ask for help and guidance. It’s not a sign of weakness. Surround yourself with diverse people, it makes life more interesting and fun. And although you found a loophole to avoid public speaking in college, you really need to take it! It might help with the mild heart attack symptoms that you experience as an adult when you are asked to speak or give a presentation.

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, the individual must be a part of a credit union’s leadership team or C-suite, and have a compelling story to share about their rise to their current leadership role.