Sanger: Embrace Challenges to Reap Rewards
Credit Union Times | By Myriam DiGiovanni
The phrase “trial and error” sums up Noel Sanger's leadership journey well, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
For the latest Trailblazer 40 Below, who has been a 2014 CUES Next Top Credit Union Executive Top 5 finalist, spoken at conferences and served as one of 13 Young Professional Advisors for the Cornerstone Credit Union League, constantly stepping out of his comfort zone has made all the difference. Sanger said taking chances has opened doors to rewarding opportunities that have helped him grow both professionally and personally.
Just under four years ago, Sanger was recruited by United Federal Credit Union in St. Joseph, Mich., and the then-banker took a chance and moved to Arkansas to serve as market vice president. From the moment he interviewed in Michigan and felt the cultural difference at the $1.8 billion credit union, Sanger said he knew he’d found the perfect fit and became “a true credit union believer.” He has made it a point every day to talk up the credit union culture and its values to a point where his name and United Federal have become one in the local community.
“I’m excited about continuing to tell our story and talk about credit unions,” he said. “It's very sexy what we do for people. What's better than putting money in people's pockets by improving their financial situations?”
He added that the credit union's mission to serve members in its local communities has resulted in 33% membership growth in the Arkansas market alone, and in addition, United Federal made Arkansas Business’ Top 12 Best Places to Work in Arkansas list.
“Being recognized as one of the best places to work, out of all the businesses in Arkansas, says so much about the United culture,” Sanger said.
Each of the credit union's market vice presidents are tasked with developing and executing integrated marketplace business and marketing plans to achieve market growth that aligns with the organization's strategic business objectives. Their responsibilities include financial performance, member relations, business development, commercial lending, market-level strategic planning, budgeting, asset management, retail branch production, mortgage production, direct and indirect lending, community outreach and marketing.
“The best way to describe it is we’re all like mini CEOs of our markets without all the headaches of being the CEO,” Sanger joked. “We’ve got executive leadership on the ground in each of our five markets across the nation to make sure we’re engaged and truly invested in the communities we serve. We’re in the branches, active in the community and know our members.”