TUCSON, Ariz.-When Vern Babilon arrived as the new CEO of $133-million Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union, he arrived with CEO experience-his own and that of others.
Babilon is a long-time credit union executive and even head of his own CU recruiting firm, GVBabilon Associates. He served as CEO at Bellco FCU in Reading, Penn., and EVP at People's Trust FCU in Houston, before arriving in Arizona.
Babilon said his experience has exposure to other leaders has led to some small evolution in his own style.
"It really has not changed a whole lot, other than I might be a little more hands-on," he said. "I might ask a few more questions, especially if I get 'no' for an answer. And I might embrace networking more than in my younger years. Now I am getting more involved in community events and meetings with peer groups."
Babilon said goals for Tucson Old Pueblo come from both him and the board. He said there are goals that are established by each individual credit union's mission.
"Every credit union has a personality," he explained. "I took over Jan. 7. There is plenty to do here and I am able to make a difference, which is great. We have an excellent team of employees.
In March Babilon scheduled 30 minutes with each of the CU's 60 employees to build a comfort level. He said the effort played havoc with his schedule for a few weeks, but was well worth it.
Role of the CEO?
Because he has had experience at both smaller and larger credit unions, Babilon observed the role of the CEO varies by circumstances. He said at certain points in a large credit union's lifecycle and growth the role is to be more of a figurehead, meaning being out in the community. "At this credit union I am more hands-on, which fits well with my management style as I want to be involved."
To be a CEO, Babilon believes a financial background is critical, along with some technology savvy. "Then, you have to understand people," he asserted. "You have to be patient while having urgency, sifting out what requires patience and what needs urgency."
Of course, no amount of training can prepare a CEO for everything the job entails. Babilon said the people aspect is completely unpredictable for everyone from staff to the board.
Having the experience of running a recruting firm will help him, Babilon believes.
"I will do a lot more to respond to vendors who are trying to contact me and introduce a product or service," he vowed. "When you are a CEO there is the challenge of having a lot to do and not a lot of time, but being on the vendor end I wanted to help out credit unions. I will make sure to reach out and give them a 'yes' or a 'no.'"
