From Helping Members on the Frontline to Helping CUs Behind the Scenes

Name: Christine Murray

Credit union: Kohler Credit Union ($613 million, Sheboygan, Wis.)

Title: Vice President, Audit and Compliance

Age: 40

Number of years at current credit union: Four months

Educational background: Master of science in accounting from the University of Phoenix

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

Murray: I develop and execute comprehensive audit and compliance strategies aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives. I also monitor and assess regulatory changes, emerging risks and industry trends to address potential compliance issues. In addition, I lead our compliance, audit, fraud and quality assurance teams to ensure we identify and evaluate operational, financial and strategic risks across the organization.

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

Murray: After graduating high school, I began working for a local credit union. Unsure of my career path at the time, I developed my knowledge and skills in helping members from a teller position and gradually moved to consumer and mortgage lending. It wasn’t until I took a college course in auditing that I really began to think I could help my co-workers the same way I assisted our membership.

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

Murray: My unique skill lies in my extensive experience in the industry and the various roles and responsibilities I have undertaken. I have witnessed and adapted to numerous changes in banking regulations and technology, particularly in lending, and these transitions have given me first-hand knowledge and expertise. My experience as a frontline employee and interacting with members provided valuable insight when it came to auditing. Understanding the impact of recommendations on employees, members and institutional risk helps me recommend solutions that align with the organization’s strategic goals and initiatives.

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

Murray: There are a lot of individuals who have helped me along the way. Aside from my family (of course), who has helped and supported me in numerous ways, I would specifically like to thank Alisha, Gail, Debra and Trevor from Ascend Federal Credit Union [$4.3 billion, Tullahoma, Tenn.]; Karen, Marggie and Ashley from the State of Wisconsin DFI, and the many friends and colleagues at different organizations that have welcomed me. All of these individuals really made an impact and helped shape me into the person I am today.

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

Murray: From my perspective, a significant difference between executive and non-executive roles is the delegation, strategic planning and resource allocation. In my most recent non-executive positions, I would personally handle tasks and issues to ensure they were completed. Although I participated in strategic discussions, these were always at a department level.

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

Murray: Starting at a new organization and joining an executive team brought two new challenges as once. Understanding how the organization operates, gaining a new team that I had yet to work with and making connections with other executives was all occurring at once. I overcame this by being myself, providing myself grace during the transition and (as always) asking a lot of questions.

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

Murray: I would describe my leadership style as a blend of transformational and participative approaches. I aim to motivate my employees to step out of their comfort zones and consider the impact of their decisions on other departments. While I offer guidance, I also actively participate with my team when needed. I like to be transparent with my team members and ensure we align on not only my expectations but what they need from me to help them be successful.

CU Times: What are some lessons you’ve learned over your career concerning how to communicate well with others? And, do you approach communication differently depending on the generation of the recipient (boomer, Gen X, millennial and Gen Z)?

Murray: It is OK to ask clarifying questions. We live in such a fast-paced world that sometimes we can get lost in communication. Additionally, communicating the ‘why’ can give purpose and reduce confusion. I do communicate differently based on the individual (not necessarily based on generation). We all have our own way to communicate, and I think understanding individuals (if possible) can help.

CU Times: What are some ways in which you achieve work/life balance, set boundaries and/or avoid burnout at work?

Murray: I prioritize both work and personal tasks, take regular breaks and dedicate time each day to plan. I use my work calendar for scheduling both work meetings and personal commitments, which helps set boundaries and maintain clear communication with my team about my availability. Understanding that work/life balance involves some overlap and requires making thoughtful decisions is crucial. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that it’s OK to say ‘no’ to certain requests.

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

Murray: My current role here at Kohler Credit Union is new; however, I am really enjoying my role and the organization. My specific career goals have always been to gain more knowledge, challenge myself in new ways and make a positive impact on my organization and co-workers. I think I have been successful with my career journey so far and am eager to see what I can do for Kohler Credit Union and the membership.

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

Murray: I have always connected with the credit union movement philosophy of ‘people helping people.’ I enjoy sharing my experiences, education and ongoing knowledge to help others grow within their careers. I would like to further the idea of how the audit function can be something that is embraced and welcomed, and makes an overall positive impact on both the organization and membership.

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

Murray: Trust your path and keep asking questions.

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.