CU Chief Risk Officer Discusses Imposter Syndrome & 'Being Authentically True to Yourself'

Name: Kelly Gerber

Credit union: Municipal Credit Union ($4.3 billion, New York, N.Y.)

Title: Chief Risk Officer

Number of years at current credit union: Less than one

Educational background: BA, Rutgers University; Juris Doctor, Rutgers School of Law

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

Gerber: As Chief Risk Officer, I oversee Enterprise Risk Management and am responsible for quantifying and reporting on risk across all areas of MCU. In this new role, I lead our Financial Crimes & Intelligence, Information Security and Risk Management divisions. My primary objective is to support sustainable enterprise growth and organizational goal performance, while simultaneously making sure that all key stakeholders remain informed as to the risks associated with every decision we make.

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

Gerber: After more than 20 years in banking, I realized that my personal value system was far better aligned with credit unions. Rather than being laser-focused on earnings and shareholder value, I love that credit unions prioritize the member above all else and root strategy in the best interests of those who trust us with their financial health and well-being.

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

Gerber: Having worked in financial services for over 20 years, many of which were customer-facing and at varying levels of management, I have gained a true understanding of how a decision at the top can cascade down throughout the organization and impact both our front-line team and the customer/member. I am able to draw from my real-life experience when called to analyze the cross-channel risks present throughout our organization, and in turn, I am able to translate our risk strategy in a way that makes it accessible for our member-facing teams, our operational support staff and management.

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

Gerber: First and foremost, I give all the credit – and gratitude – in the world to my partner, who has been my most cherished source of support over the past 15 years. She is my biggest cheerleader and never wavers in her belief in me, especially in the moments when I don’t quite believe in myself.

On a professional level, I wouldn’t be here at MCU today without the support of my former Chief Risk Officer, who was steadfast in her belief that I could tackle this role and succeed in it. In the time that I worked for her, she became the most significant mentor of my career and fostered my professional growth and development in ways I never would have had the courage to do without her leadership. I am so lucky that I now get to call her my friend. She has had such a profound impact on my life. To her, I will be forever grateful.

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

Gerber: I did serve as acting CRO for a while, so both in that acting role and my current executive role, the biggest difference is that that the actions of each C-suite member (and the C-suite collectively) affect everyone in the organization. Decisions must be made more deliberately and thoughtfully since there may be unintended consequences. Learning to consider all of the repercussions of decision-making is something that everyone who aspires to C-suite leadership should make part of their personal development.

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

Gerber: Imposter syndrome! There are still moments when self-doubt will start to creep in. But, over time I have become increasingly more confident that I do bring value to this team. I often remind myself that I bring a new perspective – a fresh set of eyes – to the assessment of our operations, our strategic plan and our risk posture.

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

Gerber: I believe in leading with empathy. I want my team to know that I value them as collaborators, contributors and – most importantly – as human beings.

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

Gerber: I’m still so new to this role that I truly feel like my future is now. Serving as MCU’s first Chief Risk Officer will undoubtedly keep me plenty occupied for the foreseeable future!

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

Gerber: MCU serves the real-life heroes of New York City – our health care professionals, our educators, the incredible men and women of the NYPD and FDNY – all of the people that protect and serve each and every one of us. I keep our members top of mind and top of heart every day. I want my impact both inside and outside of the credit union to be the development and delivery of a best in class enterprise risk program that both protects and serves our members in a way that fosters their financial growth and empowers them for long-term financial success.

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

Gerber: I would tell my younger self that constant pursuit of perfection will lead to you feeling perpetually inadequate. Being authentically true to yourself will naturally lead you to the successes you seek. Remember always to give yourself grace.

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.