Age: 38

Number of years at current credit union: Less than one

Educational background: BBA in Accounting from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga.; MBA in Management from Georgia College and State University

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

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

Heape: Growing up in and around the industry, I have always loved the community, mission and heart behind why we do what we do, always focused on doing what’s best for our members and community.

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

Heape: I have worked in various roles within six different credit unions, front office and back office. In the past I worked at small- to medium-sized credit unions, which allowed me to be involved in and see how a credit union really works. That has given me a broad sense of how each role and process in the organization works together. That, along with a strong commitment to doing the next right thing, positions me to make an impact on behalf of our members.

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

Heape: First and foremost, my parents have both provided for and encouraged me every step of the way, and instilled in me a great sense of purpose and integrity. My father, Barry Heape (retired from the former DOCO Credit Union of Albany, Ga.) has worked in credit unions since before I have memories, and he worked very hard and had a lot of success. It’s not only from watching what he did and how he did it, but also the encouragement and resource he has continually been through the years. Additionally, I got to work for who I often describe as “the most interesting man in the world.” Jerry Jordan (retired from CGR Credit Union of Macon, Ga.) poured into me, not just as an employee and person but as a credit union person. He is a wealth of knowledge, and both graciously and freely shared that knowledge, always investing in the next generation of credit union leadership.

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

Heape: That’s a great question. I would say there is as much that is similar as there is different. I’m humbled by the opportunity to get to serve my team, work hard alongside them, and be a resource to develop them and serve our members together. I do enjoy the ability to focus more on the strategic level of things and having a broad working knowledge of what’s happening throughout the credit union.

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

Heape: Initially, my challenge has been learning the systems, resources and roles of my peers to pursue effective collaboration. I have a lot to learn, so [I make a] daily commitment to that discovery process.

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

Heape: I love to learn at and from every level, and I recognize that we are all leading whether we realize it or not. Leading by example in the right direction is what’s important. I try to do that in the way I serve and relate to others in a sincere way.

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

Heape: Communication is not naturally at the top of mind, so I have had to learn how important it is to consistently and clearly say what needs to be said. I have also learned that each person receives communication in their own unique way. Discovering the most effective way for each individual has been an enjoyable part of my development.

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

Heape: I trust our leadership when they say that we work really hard when we are here, but we put it down when we leave. Family comes first, and that’s one thing I have appreciated about working for Robins Financial. They have kept me from having to set those boundaries myself by having a culture where work is not the only thing.

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

Heape: The beauty of my current mindset is that I do not feel pressure to answer that question. Each day I come in and tackle the day, working as hard as I can. There is a higher power taking care of the rest, and I truly believe that. That does not negate any ambition, it just focuses that ambition on being the best contributor I can be today.

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

Heape: I would tell myself to have a bit more grit and push through the most difficult things with the certainty it will pay off as every mistake, failure and struggle is an opportunity to be molded into who you were made to be today. I am so thankful to those who went before me and offered to let me learn from their younger selves.

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.