Name: John Ahdunko

Credit union: Greater Nevada Credit Union ($1.7 billion, Carson City, Nev.)

Title: Senior Vice President of Member Success

Number of years at current credit union: 9.5

Educational background: Bachelor of Science, University of Nevada

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

Ahdunko: My role focuses on enhancing member satisfaction and retention, driving business growth through outreach and relationship management, and ensuring efficient call center and commercial service operations.

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

Ahdunko: The member-owned model and focus on supporting individuals’ financial well-being aligned with my values. I wanted to be part of an industry where trust and financial growth are central.

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

Ahdunko: I bring strong leadership rooted in empathy, along with a holistic approach to ensuring our members' financial well-being.

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

Ahdunko: I credit several mentors who have encouraged me to embrace my voice and fearlessly face challenges. Their support has empowered me to pursue meaningful opportunities that create a positive impact for others.

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

Ahdunko: In this executive role, I prioritize mentorship and team development. While I previously led projects, I now focus on nurturing future leaders and ensuring that all team members have the support and resources necessary to thrive and contribute effectively.

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

Ahdunko: I struggled to confidently share my opinions and articulate my viewpoints. To overcome this, I built relationships with my colleagues and sought feedback, allowing me to present my ideas effectively and gain support for high-impact initiatives.

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

Ahdunko: I lead with empathy, fostering an environment that empowers team members to express their ideas and concerns, encouraging open and transparent dialogue.

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)?

Ahdunko: I’ve learned that patience and clarity are essential for effective communication. I focus on delivering clear and concise messages tailored to my audience. For older generations, I provide detailed explanations, while for younger generations, I emphasize quick summaries and visuals that convey information succinctly.

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

Ahdunko: I prioritize work/life balance by scheduling dedicated focus time for myself, allowing me to concentrate on important tasks without distractions. This practice helps me maintain boundaries and prevent burnout, ensuring I remain productive and engaged in my work.

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

Ahdunko: I am a lifelong learner dedicated to developing my skills to support my organization and team. My next goal is to reach the Chief level, enabling me to create an even greater impact.

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

Ahdunko: I aim to create a holistic impact by driving business growth, empowering our members and developing our team. By offering innovative services and tailored solutions, we enhance financial stability and help members achieve their goals. I am also committed to fostering a supportive environment for our team, ensuring they have the resources for professional growth, ultimately strengthening our credit union and benefiting the community.

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

Ahdunko: Be fearless and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Embrace challenges as chances to showcase your abilities and grow, and don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone.

Would you or someone you know like to share your journey to credit union leadership? Please reach out to Natasha Chilingerian at [email protected]. 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.