A DIALOGUE ON THE EXAM PROCESS (FROM PAGE 6)
And sometimes, reasonable people will have to agree to
disagree. If both parties approach a subject from a reasonable
and responsible position, they should stand their ground on
the issues and be heard. There is an appeals process for
working through these disagreements (See NCUA Report June
2011, Chairman’s Corner). During the Listening Sessions, we
should discuss what might help credit unions feel more
comfortable using this process when necessary.
Examiners and credit union management can both take a lot
of specific steps to contribute to a conducive exam
environment. These things include:
; discussing expectations;
; setting ground rules and the exam approach upfront;
; agreeing to a regular update schedule during the exam
between the examiner and the management team to ensure
no surprises (for either party);
; coordinating on how examiners will interact with credit
union staff and the effect on the credit union;
;reviewing specific risks identified and corresponding
resolution measures, and so forth.
Each of these steps largely revolves around effective
communication, so it is a good time to be listening. I
personally look forward to the Chairman’s Listening Sessions
with credit unions.
THE CRASH NETWORK (FROM PAGE 4)
Fryzel: What is The Crash Network?
Hilinski: The Crash Network is a growing grassroots
organization of around 200 young credit union professionals,
it was designed to catalyze the credit union movement
through meet ups, mentorships, development projects, and
online collaboration.
Fryzel: How does one become a Crasher?
Hilinski: Previously by applying and being selected to join us
at events, both state specific and national. In the near future,
by launching and sustaining new ideas to help credit unions.
Fryzel: How do you feel being a Crasher develops young
individuals?
Hilinski: A few ways:
; Crashers learn how to incite change by getting their
hands dirty with initiatives of their own.
; Crashers learn from the wisdom and guidance of
industry mentors.
; Crashers collaborate, share, and grow through the
support of the greater Crash Network, a community of
(currently) around 200 young, like-minded professionals.
Fryzel: Do you believe credit unions are adequately recruiting
and developing young people to be the credit union leaders of
the future?
Hilinski: A few do a great job, but for most credit unions
there’s a lot to improve. Most people still begin working for
credit unions through some kind of accident. Filene research
shows that 61% of people polled indicate that they have more
ideas than are ultimately communicated to supervisors.
Professional development opportunities tend to be reserved
for top level staff. Credit unions with mentorship programs,
formal or informal, are few and far between. All of these
things represent missed opportunities and a growing
knowledge gap and cultural disconnect. This needs to change.
Fryzel: How can trade associations, regulators and even
NCUA help educate crashers?
Hilinski: The short answer: Partner with us to help develop and
improve our efforts. Just like young credit union professionals,
we’re looking for like-minded industry mentors and partners.
The long answer depends on the specifics of the trade/
regulator/NCUA and where their passions and priorities lie.
Our thanks to Theresa for taking the time to educate us on
this important and interesting group of young people who
clearly are committed to fostering and being an integral part
of the credit union industry. If you would like more
information on The Crash Network please visit their website
http://crash.coop/.
The Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives (OSCUI) now has
posted a second video on NCUA’s “You Tube” channel at
http://www.youtube.com/ncuachannel.
This online video aims to help small credit unions interested in accessing
NCUA’s free consultants and resources available at OSCUI. For a free
DVD of the video, you can also send an email to oscuimail@ncua.gov.
