CU Commercial Lending VP Believes in Tackling the Root Causes of Community Challenges

Name: Jose L. Villa

Credit union: Fox Communities Credit Union ($3 billion, Appleton, Wis.)

Title: Vice President of Commercial Lending

Number of years at current credit union: Four

Educational background: Associates Degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College; Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay; MBA from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis.

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

Villa: In my current role as one of the Vice Presidents of Commercial Lending at Fox Communities Credit Union, my primary responsibilities revolve around supporting our members through various stages of their business journey. This includes:

1. Assisting New Businesses: I help new entrepreneurs by providing the necessary financial guidance and support as they embark on their business ventures. 2. Facilitating Business Growth: For established businesses looking to expand or reach new milestones, I offer tailored financial solutions and advice to help them achieve their next level of success. 3. Offering Financial Guidance: The commercial world can be overwhelming, so I prioritize listening to our members and helping them navigate their financial options, weighing the pros and cons of each. 4. Connecting to Resources: A significant part of my role involves connecting our members with resources and networks that can support their success throughout their business journey. 5. Community Development: I am actively involved in community development, partnering with numerous nonprofit organizations to drive innovation and make a positive impact within our communities.

Through these responsibilities, I aim to provide comprehensive support to our members, fostering their business success and contributing to the overall growth and innovation within our community.

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

Villa: What drew me to the credit union industry was the strong alignment between the credit union culture and its mission and vision with my own personal mission and vision. Fox Communities Credit Union’s mission, “We partner with our members, communities, and Fox Family to build stronger financial futures,” resonates deeply with my commitment to community development and fostering financial success.

Its vision, “We will embrace our organizational evolution to create a lasting member experience that exceeds expectations by ensuring our team is exceptional, has the tools to succeed, and is shown the love, value, and respect they deserve,” mirrors my dedication to leadership and personal growth. I plan to be the leader my community needs by never forgetting my roots and the struggles of those who helped me become the leader I am today. I hold myself accountable to my actions, constantly self-reflect and strive to always be better than the person I was yesterday.

My mission is to showcase my passion for life, inspiring others to find their own passion and hidden potential and challenging them to accomplish tasks beyond their expectations. This synergy between the credit union’s values and my own goals is what truly drew me to this industry, where I can contribute to building stronger financial futures while fulfilling my personal mission and vision.

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

Villa: My upbringing is a significant factor in what I bring to my role. As a first-generation college graduate, I used my education to help my family achieve financial stability, which ignited my passion for helping others reach their financial goals. This personal journey has given me a unique perspective and empathy for those striving to improve their financial situations. In addition to my personal background, I bring a wealth of experience and recognition in my field. I have been honored with several accolades, including being selected as one of the Chamber’s 2023 Future 15 award recipients, one of the 2023 40 Under 40 award recipients by the NEW North and Insight Publications, and one of the Top 40 Wisconsin’s Most Influential Latino Leaders by Madison 365 in 2023. These honors reflect my dedication, leadership and impact within the community.

Combining my personal experiences with my professional achievements, I bring a unique blend of empathy, passion and proven leadership to my role. I am committed to helping our members achieve their financial goals and contributing to the growth and success of our community.

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

Villa: My mother has been my biggest inspiration along my career journey. Her courage in coming to the U.S. as a teenager, armed only with dreams and determination, laid the foundation for my success. She taught me the values of hope, integrity and tenacity, which have been my guiding principles. Her unwavering support and the lessons she imparted have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and achieve my goals. I owe my accomplishments to her incredible strength and love.

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

Villa: I would describe my current leadership style as transformational. I believe that everyone has leadership potential in some capacity, and it is crucial to foster a great culture within the organization to harness this potential. As a transformational leader, I focus on inspiring and motivating my team to achieve their highest potential by encouraging continuous personal and professional growth.

My journey as a first-generation college graduate, and helping my family achieve financial stability, has deeply influenced my approach to leadership. I understand the importance of empathy, support and encouragement in overcoming challenges and achieving goals. This perspective helps me connect with my team members on a personal level, understanding their unique challenges and aspirations.

Moreover, my accolades reflect my commitment to leadership and community development. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of a strong, supportive and innovative team culture. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, I aim to inspire my team to exceed their own expectations and contribute meaningfully to the success of our organization and community.

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

Villa: Yes, my approach to my job has evolved since the pre-pandemic era. The pandemic underscored the critical importance of work culture and mental well-being. It served as a powerful reminder of life’s challenges and the significance of nurturing our mental state. Being part of an organization that prioritizes a supportive culture and fosters a sense of family proved invaluable during those challenging times.

The pandemic reinforced our team’s resilience and highlighted the strength of our organizational culture. It inspired us to further enhance and build upon this foundation, recognizing its pivotal role in sustaining morale, productivity and teamwork. Moving forward, I continue to prioritize fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and supported, contributing to our collective success and well-being.

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

Villa: Currently Vice President of Commercial Lending, I aim to advance to SVP and eventually Chief Lending Officer. Ultimately, my goal is to become President/CEO, guiding our credit union to sustained success and greater community impact.

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

Villa: The big-picture impact I aim to achieve within my role at Fox Communities Credit Union extends beyond financial services. Drawing from my background as a first-generation college graduate and my commitment to community development, my goal is to bring awareness and meaningful solutions to fundamental issues such as mental health and poverty.

Rather than merely addressing the symptoms, I believe in tackling the root causes of these community challenges. By leveraging the resources and influence of our credit union, I aspire to implement initiatives that empower our members and community. This includes fostering partnerships with nonprofit organizations and advocating for sustainable solutions that promote mental well-being and economic stability.

Ultimately, I envision our credit union not only as a financial service provider but as a catalyst for positive social change. By addressing these foundational needs, we can create a more resilient and thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

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

Villa: If I could give career advice to my younger self, I would emphasize two key points. First, always stay true to yourself and your beliefs, even in the face of challenges. Consistency and authenticity are invaluable. Second, build a strong network of mentors and advisors who can serve as your personal board of directors. Their guidance and insights will help navigate unfamiliar territories and overcome obstacles.

Additionally, never doubt your own potential. Believe in your ability to achieve your career goals, even when resources seem limited. With perseverance, self-confidence and the support of trusted mentors, you can surpass expectations and achieve success in your career journey.

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.