MADISON, Wis.-The recession has reshaped the CU executive development landscape, potentially for the long term, according to CUES.
Barb Kachelski, SVP and COO, said the tough economy, made rougher with the onset of NCUA assessments, has prompted credit unions to make every professional education dollar count, especially focusing on programs deemed more effective at driving ROI.
"For example, our school of business lending has remained strong even as credit union budgets tighten," observed Kachelski.
That has led to a focus on employee skill sets needed for the current economy and regulatory environment. "We introduced a risk management school for staff members and a director seminar on risk management," Kachelski said. "We also started a school of product and channel management due to the card regs."
Kachelski termed the last four years a "watershed moment" that may keep CUs' executive education focus very dollar-conscious and targeted for years to come. "Just like the Great Depression affected my parents, the last several years will have ripple effects into the future."
But what has been starting to come back, said Kachelski, is a renewed interest in programs focused on strategic thinking. "Credit unions are saying that strategy and leadership are crucial for the future of the credit union movement."
