Number of years at current credit union: 11
 
Educational background: My education has been through my 40 years of service in the credit union industry. 
 
CU Times: What are your key responsibilities in your current role?

Milton: What a great question. Four decades ago, my first full-time job at a credit union was as a teller. I had moved to North Carolina and was looking for a job. At the time, I actually knew nothing about credit unions.

Within a short time, I saw first-hand how credit unions prioritize community, collaboration and financial empowerment over profits. That focus resonated with me deeply. Over the years, I’ve been inspired by how credit unions help members achieve their financial goals, and foster trust and belonging in ways that banks often can’t replicate. My first full-time job was with a bank, serving in several areas. It’s been an honor to be part of an industry that stays true to its mission of ‘people helping people.’
 
CU Times: What unique skills, experience and attributes do you bring to your role?

Milton: With over 40 years in the credit union industry, I’ve learned our employees are the heart of everything we do. I’ve always made it a priority to support and empower them. One of the unique attributes I bring to my role is the ability to connect with employees at all levels by understanding their perspectives and supporting a culture of collaboration and respect. I believe when employees are engaged, supported and aligned with our mission, this translates directly into exceptional service for our members.

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

Milton: I’ve had the privilege of working with several mentors, the most insightful and helpful being my current CEO, Dion Williams. Dion provides opportunities and challenges for growth while showing care and compassion for employees with his open-door policy. Following his lead, one idea that I try to pass on to my staff is the ‘Circle of Influence versus Circle of Concern,’ popularized by Stephen Covey in his book, ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.’ There are many issues we may be concerned about; however, we can make more of a difference by focusing on our circle of influence – what we can impact. This focus actually increases our Circle of Influence.   

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

Milton: This position presents a new layer of strategic responsibility. Member service has always been my area of expertise, so using my 40 years of experience to help make key decisions that affect our members is humbling and supports my personal goal to be a life-long learner with new knowledge, skills and experience.
 
CU Times: What’s a challenge you faced when you first joined your executive team, and how did you overcome it?

Milton: There really has not been a challenge with joining our executive team. We work well together and are supportive of each other. We share ideas and insights from our various backgrounds, focusing on the best course of action for our employees and our members.
 
CU Times: How would you describe your current leadership style?

Milton: My leadership style is collaborative and deeply rooted in trust. I believe in leading by example and being accessible to my teams, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to excel in their roles.

I value input from every level of the organization because I know the best ideas often come from those closest to the work. I also focus on advancing a culture of accountability and mutual respect, where everyone understands their roles in achieving our business objectives.
 
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)? 

Milton: Effective communication starts with active listening. Taking the time to truly hear and understand someone’s perspective, regardless of their generation, builds trust and lays the foundation for meaningful dialogue. I’ve also come to value empathy in every interaction. Communicating with genuine care and respect builds stronger relations and creates an environment where people feel valued and heard.

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

Milton: Spending time with family and the light of my life, my year-old grandson! Other than that, I travel when I can and read when I can’t.
 
CU Times: What’s next for you on your executive career journey? Do you have any specific career goals you’re working toward?

Milton: Today, my career goals center around making a positive impact on the credit union. I want to continue driving initiatives that strengthen our operations, empower our employees and enhance the member experience. I want to be part of developing the next generation of credit union leaders, ensuring they are prepared to carry forward our ‘people helping people’ mission.
 
CU Times: What big-picture impact do you hope to make within your credit union, as well as for your members and community? 

Milton: After a year of celebrating our 75th anniversary, I am inspired by this incredible legacy and even more motivated to contribute to our future. My big-picture goal is to ensure that we remain a trusted financial partner for generations to come. This means embracing innovation while staying grounded in the values that have guided us for the past 75 years: Building trust and a sense of belonging.
 
CU Times: What career advice would you give your younger self?

Milton: Believe in your power to make a difference. Search for that job that you can be passionate about that also challenges you.

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.