It is my responsibility to ensure our compensation and benefits remain competitive and aligned with industry standards, balancing employee satisfaction with business sustainability, and that our HR policies align with labor laws and industry regulations, mitigating risks while fostering an equitable and compliant workplace. I also play a key role in change management, helping employees navigate transitions or restructuring.

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

Duffy: It is important that I can personally connect to the mission of an organization and the people it serves. With my financial services background, the credit union industry is a perfect fit as serving our members and ‘people helping people’ is our number one priority.
 
CU Times: What unique skills, experience and attributes do you bring to your role?

Duffy: Strong relationships are the foundation of success in both my professional and personal life. My ability to build and nurture meaningful connections has created opportunities that my technical skills alone cannot. People listen to, support and follow those they trust. When you build genuine relationships based on mutual resect and reliability, your influence grows naturally.

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

Duffy: In addition to my family’s unwavering belief and support, I was fortunate to have several strong female role models along my professional journey. I have taken something from each of them as I developed my own leadership style. My very first manager, Kathy Tsougranis, taught me how to be tough and soft at the same time. She was the first person to push me beyond where I believed I could go. Then there was Linda Elkes, Patti Duca, Deborah Moorer and Elaine Rizzo. Each of them had a belief in my ability to succeed that continually motivated me. Today, I have Mia Perez, who inspires me to keep growing and challenging the status quo.
 
CU Times: What’s a challenge you faced when you first joined your executive team, and how did you overcome it?

Duffy: My first challenge was understanding the team dynamics and how decisions were made. I had to take the time to build a rapport with my colleagues and observe and listen, as my actions and words carried weight.
 
CU Times: How would you describe your current leadership style?

Duffy: As a servant leader, I am committed to removing barriers and ensuring my team has the resources, support and guidance to succeed. My approach fosters a culture of trust, collaboration and accountability. My goal is to inspire confidence, cultivate a sense of purpose and create an environment where people feel motivated to do their best work.

CU Times: What are some lessons you've learned over your career concerning how to communicate well with others? 

Duffy: It is essential to meet people where they are as different people process information differently. Communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking. It is imperative that others feel they are truly heard, which builds trust while ensuring there is clarity. I have also learned the importance of asking follow-up questions and repeating key points in different ways to reinforce understanding.

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

Duffy: Creating a balance between work and home has always been a priority for me. From early on in my career, I found ways to set boundaries. I have always been committed to my work but have managed, for the most part, to avoid working weekends and while on PTO. I keep my team informed and involved in major initiatives and I empower my team to do their jobs independently and make decisions.
 
CU Times: What’s next for you on your executive career journey? Do you have any specific career goals you’re working toward?

Duffy: I am not certain what is next for me as I am still settling into my current role, but I know that whatever it is, it will be the right thing. My one goal has always been to be the best version of myself in whatever I do, and to learn and grow from every situation.
 
CU Times: What career advice would you give your younger self?

Duffy: When you get comfortable being uncomfortable you will find the greatest growth. Continue to not just ask questions but ask the right questions, and don’t let what others believe is right for you stop you from doing what you know is right. Always lead with your heart but check in with your mind first.

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.