Age: 55

Number of years at current credit union: Eight months (started April 1, 2024)
 
Educational background: Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rutgers University School of Business in New Brunswick, N.J.
 
CU Times: What are your key responsibilities in your current role?

Skara: Coming from a small community bank, I’ve always valued organizations that prioritize relationships over transactions. Credit unions take that further by operating as not-for-profits, reinvesting earnings into their members and communities through better rates, lower fees and more flexible lending opportunities.

The opportunity to work at Piedmont Advantage was especially compelling because of its commitment to building trust and a sense of belonging, which aligns closely with my personal and professional values. Being part of an organization where every decision is made with members’ and staff’s well-being in mind is inspiring and rewarding.
 
CU Times: What unique skills, experience, and attributes do you bring to your role?

Skara: As a former Controller for many years, I know the day-to-day operations of accounting and reporting well. So, when implementing a long-term vision for the credit union’s finances, I can prepare my team for what to expect and how to manage through any unforeseen challenges.

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

Skara: I have had many great mentors throughout my career, but the one that stands out most is from a Treasurer early in my career who taught me that we can do even the most challenging project if we take it one small task at a time.
 
CU Times: What are some of the biggest differences between working in your current executive level role and your previous, non-executive roles?

Skara: The most significant difference is the broader scope of influence and responsibility. As CFO, I’m not just focused on financial reporting or operational processes. I ensure that every financial decision supports our mission and strategic objectives.

Another significant difference is the level of visibility and accountability. In this role, decisions often impact our members, staff and the community we serve. It’s both a privilege and a challenge to operate at this level, knowing that my actions contribute to the entire organization's success.

Lastly, I’ve found the need to balance financial management's technical aspects with leadership's interpersonal demands. Leading with empathy and furthering a collaborative culture are as critical to success as the numbers themselves.
 
CU Times: What’s a challenge you faced when you first joined your executive team, and how did you overcome it?

Skara: One of the biggest challenges came within my first few months when our annual regulatory audit began, which was conducted jointly by the NCUA and the North Carolina Credit Union Division. Stepping into this executive role during such a critical process required me to quickly get up to speed on the credit union’s financial operations and regulatory landscape.

I approached this challenge using my prior audit experience, staying organized and prioritizing clear communication with the team and auditors. I also took the opportunity to build relationships with my colleagues, relying on their institutional knowledge to guide our collaborative approach. By focusing on preparation and teamwork, we successfully navigated the audit, giving me valuable insights into the credit union’s operations and setting a solid foundation for my role moving forward.

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

Skara: I want to lead by setting an example of hard work and dedication to the organization’s principles. And I try to always have a smile on my face!
 
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)?

Skara: I try to be as hands-on as possible – I communicate face to face whenever I can, rather than via meeting software, email or phone. While those tools have their place, I think there’s more value in personal contact. And I think that works across all generations.

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

Skara: I am active in my church, singing with the Catalyst Church praise team, and enjoy playing pickle ball. Volunteering as a board member at Hannah’s Haven in Greensboro, N.C., is especially rewarding as I get to see firsthand the change in the lives of women overcoming drug and alcohol addiction.
 
CU Times: What’s next for you on your executive career journey? Do you have any specific career goals you’re working toward?

Skara: After working for several community banks over the past 18 years, I hope I can finish my career with PACU. CFO is the ‘mountain-top’ job for an accountant, and I’m hoping to help grow our credit union in both members and assets in the coming years. There are a lot of people who don’t know what makes credit unions different from banks, and I’d like to help that education process.
 
CU Times: What big-picture impact do you hope to make within your credit union, as well as for your members and community? 

Skara: PACU has a 75-year history of serving our members and communities, so I’m just hoping to add to that legacy. I’m hoping that we can expand into nearby communities in coming years, and bring the products, services and feeling of being part of our ‘family’ to those places.
 
CU Times: What career advice would you give your younger self?

Skara: Don’t let the setbacks get you down. I’ve worked for some companies that don’t exist anymore – two that went out of business, others that were acquired by larger entities. At times, those changes seemed so big, but I always found a new role, sometimes better than the path I was on. Just keep your head up and put in the work and good things will happen!

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.