Number of years at current credit union: 31

Educational background: Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Mercer University in Macon, Ga.

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

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

Reagan: While most little kids want to grow up to be a fireman, police officer or truck driver, I always wanted to grow up to be an executive in a financial institution.

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

Reagan: I am not afraid of change. Over the last 15-plus years, I have been involved in modernizing processes and leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve member experiences. I have worked on everything from policies, procedures and marketing campaigns to implementing loan origination systems and creating new products and services.

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

Reagan: So many people have poured into me over the years. My wife always keeps me humble and she isn’t afraid to tell me what I need to hear. We have a relationship where we always try to build each other up. I also have many coworkers who have come up through the ranks with me and we have always had a great support system among us.

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

Reagan: In my previous role, everything was focused on how to solve problems in a specific area. In my executive role, the focus is much more global. We are working as an executive team to solve for the strategic objectives of the credit union.

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

Reagan: My leadership style is probably best described as collaborative. I believe that fostering partnerships and alignment across many teams within the credit union is key to our success. Balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders while staying focused on the organization’s goals takes strong communication and relationship-building skills.

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)?

Reagan: You have to take the time to get to know your team members. I find more relevance in connecting with a person based on their personality than trying to connect based on a person’s generation. You can’t just communicate, you have to connect with people.

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

Reagan: I have always believed that you have to be able to unplug from work and have some kind of outlet. I love when I am able to go and do things with my family. My wife and I go for a walk almost every night – no kids and no phones. When I really need to blow off some steam, I like to go mountain biking.

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

Reagan: My next big step would be to move into the role of Chief Lending Officer or CLO. I have a passion for lending and I continue to be captivated by the continuous change that technology and new processes keep bringing to our industry. Every time I think I have it figured out, something new gets introduced.

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

Reagan: Robins Financial Credit Union’s mission is “member focused, financial partners and community proud.” I hope I can be a leader that others want to emulate and to continue to grow our credit union in a way that helps our members with quality financial products and services, build future leaders in our team members and be a light in our community.

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

Reagan: Run your own race. Learn from and watch the leaders around you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – in fact don’t just say it, do it. Spend time getting to know people and invest in them.

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.