Number of years at current credit union: 1.5
 
Educational background: Bachelor’s of Science in Natural Resources; MBA
 
CU Times: What are your key responsibilities in your current role?

Fede: As a new leader in the credit union industry in 2019, I was struck by the mission to help the community and play a leading role there.This was never more evident than during COVID when the credit union I was working for focused on how to help the community get through the crisis and continues today with the great mission of Hudson Valley Credit Union.
 
CU Times: What unique skills, experience and attributes do you bring to your role?

Fede: As an accidental technologist and someone who spent 25 years working both in the government and for-profit world, I bring a unique and broad perspective to the CIO role. My journey into technology was not a direct path, but rather a series of opportunities and experiences that led me to where I am today. I spent a lot of time studying nature outside in school – my first job was performing digital environmental modeling and mapping, and then through some unique circumstance, I landed in information technology. This unconventional route has allowed me to develop a diverse skill set and an understanding of various industries. Combining these experiences, I bring a holistic approach to the CIO role, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that various sectors present. My broad perspective enables me to bridge the gap between technology and business, fostering collaboration and driving digital transformation initiatives that benefit the entire organization.
 
CU Times: Which person (or people) do you credit the most for helping and supporting you along your career journey?

Fede: When I was new in leadership 20 years ago, I worked for a vice president who was very logical and analytical. He significantly helped me with prioritization, scoping and providing pertinent details in decision making. He also helped me with concise and focused communication, which I value to this day.He has long since retired but his influence and mentorship has been instrumental in my career, and I have tried to pay that forward to many younger leaders during my career.
 
CU Times: What are some of the biggest differences between working in your current executive level role and your previous, non-executive roles?

Fede: At my current level, decision-making becomes more complex and impactful. Decisions often affect the entire organization, whereas decisions in non-executive roles have been more focused specifically on the technology department or technology related aspects.
 
CU Times: What’s a challenge you faced when you first joined your executive team, and how did you overcome it?

Fede: As HVCU experienced changes in leadership, one challenge was getting the team to understand my transformative vision and genuine care for people. When establishing a dual focus on transformation and people-centric leadership, it is challenging to gain the understanding of a team that is accustomed to more traditional leadership styles. This is especially true as we focus on integrating new technology and creating an appropriate organizational structure.
 
CU Times: How would you describe your current leadership style?

Fede: As a leader, I have always endeavored to blend the best elements of traditional leadership styles, particularly delegative, strategic and visionary. I take great pleasure in providing growth and development opportunities to those within the teams I lead, empowering them to determine the most effective path forward to achieve our collective goals. My aim is to cultivate an environment where everyone feels invested in the mission and vision of the group and the broader organization, and understands the roadmap for achieving that vision. I firmly believe that when the qualities of initiative, collaboration and accountability are present throughout an organization, it will naturally become high performing.
 
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)?

Fede: It may sound trite, but it is crucial to listen actively to every individual. Ensuring that people feel heard and understood is paramount. Be fully present in the moment. Additionally, strive to comprehend situations from the other person's perspective. For example, during a team meeting, actively listening to each member's input can foster a more inclusive environment and lead to better decision-making. When a colleague shares a concern, acknowledging their feelings and asking follow-up questions demonstrates that you value their perspective. Similarly, when resolving conflicts, understanding the underlying issues from each person’s viewpoint can help in finding a fair and effective solution.

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

Fede: I have always been a firm believer in using paid time off. Being able to step away and mentally recharge allows you to bring your best self to work.Delegate and empower your team to function independently and encourage them to do the same!
 
CU Times: What big-picture impact do you hope to make within your credit union, as well as for your members and community? 

Fede: As the technology leader in the credit union, my goal is to create a lasting impact through enablement. By serving as a strategic business partner, I aim to empower Hudson Valley Credit Union’s business lines to deliver exceptional products and services to our community. This, in turn, will enable our community to achieve financial stability, independence and freedom, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life.
 
CU Times: What career advice would you give your younger self?

Fede: The best advice I could give my younger self would be to be comfortable being uncomfortable –it will allow for faster overall growth!

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.