Member Spotlight: Curtis Gardner

CUNA Councils
June 29, 2010 | COMMENTS

Curtis Gardner is member services manager at Members Federal Credit Union in Aurora, Colorado. After coming to the credit union industry from the banking world, he fell in love with the culture of helping others.

“I have a passion for improving the financial lives of those less fortunate, not with a handout but with a hand up,” he says. “I believe all people can maintain financial stability, but most were never taught how. I see the great potential credit unions have going forward in helping young Americans manage their finances better and take on a more charitable attitude.”

Biggest challenge

Maintaining profitability in a world of corporate re-capitalization and rising delinquencies.

Best advice

Look for ways to help others instead of looking for ways to say "no."

Greatest benefit of Council membership

Great advice from credit union professionals with years of experience.

Best part of my job

Having an impact on members' lives on a daily basis.

Hardest part of my job

Seeing a member a tough spot, to the point where the credit union can't help.

Biggest misconception about my job

Working at a desk in an air-conditioned financial institution isn't tiring!

Hobbies/interests

Reading and music.

Recent book

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand—I've read three times now and it gets better every time.

Life goal not yet accomplished

Being elected to public office at any level.

Something that always makes me laugh

The Office —without mentioning names, every work environment has those people who are a little odd!

Favorite quote

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

Favorite music

Dave Matthews Band, Led Zeppelin, Eagles, My Morning Jacket

How I would explain the credit union difference to a prospective new member

It is more than a cliché-credit unions exist because of their members. Many organizations make this claim, but it is only true for a very few. Our number-one purpose as credit union employees is to meet the needs of our members and ensure we are financial advocates for them. Because of this, it is paramount that we look for alternatives to provide the most value to them in order to maintain our position of trust.