Number of years at current credit union: Less than one year (about nine months)

Educational background: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, MS in Engineering and MBA in Strategy and International Business Management

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

Technology plays a critical role in every aspect of the credit union’s value chain, so my role is not only extensive, but imperative to the business and its operations. I take pride in maintaining the crucial development and quality assurance for new projects where we test and ensure solutions meet organizational needs before launching a new product or service.

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

Chavali: I wasn’t initially looking for a role in the credit union industry – it was the mission and core values of Affinity Plus that attracted me to the organization. Credit unions have an altruistic underpinning, and it was exciting for me to be a part of an organization that puts a strong emphasis on showing up for both its members and employees.

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

Chavali: My experience spans technical and leadership roles, blending operational expertise and strategic vision. Driven by natural curiosity, I’m always looking to build on my knowledge and create a path that helps others learn with me.

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

Chavali: Kathryn Freytag, my previous boss and former CIO at Donaldson Company, was one of the first managers who helped take my career to the next level. Her encouragement and support led me to take the leap and advance into my first CIO role, which I wasn’t sure I was ready for at the time.

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

Chavali: While I’ve enjoyed both roles, one key difference is the shift from operational tasks to strategic planning, people management and swift decision-making. In my current role, I’m focused on cultivating a collective vision for how we, as a credit union, want to grow together.

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

Chavali: Adapting to the accelerated pace of decision-making was challenging. In general, I want to hear, listen and gain a full perspective so I can respond to things, rather than quickly reacting. I overcame this by building trust with my team, effectively delegating tasks and relying on their expertise to help me make informed decisions quickly.

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

Chavali: I focus on servant leadership, empowering my team and fostering collaboration by removing obstacles, building trust and celebrating successes. I tailor my communication and leadership style to meet the individual needs of my team members.

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?

Chavali: Effective communication involves understanding what resonates with different groups of people, including different generations. I tailor communication for clarity and engagement, focusing on what is of value to the person or group that I’m communicating with.

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

Chavali: I view this more as work-life integration than work-life balance. My husband and I both prioritize our careers, managing responsibilities outside of work as a team. Pursuing hobbies in parallel to work is essential and gives me the energy to show up as my best self at work and at home. Traveling and experiencing the world has also helped me avoid burnout.

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

Chavali: I’m excited to lean into my dedication to supporting women and girls in STEM, building on the mentor relationships I’ve grown throughout my career. I’d also love to do more Board work and apply my varied experiences in fields like manufacturing, retail, tech and finance to help organizations thrive.

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

Chavali: I’m ready to continue on the path of innovation and enhance the credit union’s investments in technology with additional guardrails of sustainability and security. Beyond the technological support, I’ll continue to champion the nonprofit and community support efforts that enrich our member communities and make Affinity Plus a great place to work.

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

Chavali: Don’t be afraid to jump into the unknown – that’s where growth happens.

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.