LOUISVILLE, Ky.-After almost 20 years as CEO, Harry Bellew has recently retired as president of Kentucky Telco Federal Credit Union. During his career, Bellew oversaw growth to $240-million in assets from $40 million, and to 38,000 members from 8,000. Below Bellew shares some of his thoughts and observations.
CU Journal: How did you come to be involved in credit unions, beginning with NCUA?
Bellew: I actually got involved with credit unions prior to NCUA. I worked for Green River Steel Credit Union - now Green River Area Credit Union-part time when I was in college. Part time grew into full time. After graduating, NCUA recruited me on the job. They had examiner vacancies in Cincinnati. My wife and I decided it was an opportunity to get out of our hometown. I stayed with NCUA for 22 years, moving around a lot. Then I was in Atlanta when the position at Kentucky Telco came open. At that time I was tired of traveling. I interviewed for the position and they gave it to me.
CUJ: What did your time with NCUA not prepare you for in managing a credit union?
Bellew: The detail of running an organization. I knew rules and regs and accounting and that kind of thing. What I didn't know was technology, personnel, and day-to-day issues. You can learn that by being there - the operational details and that kind of thing.
CUJ: Kentucky Telco grew six-fold during your career. What did you learn about managing growth?
Bellew: My philosophy on growth is if you are good, growth will come. You don't have to force growth. It will come to you naturally.
CUJ: What advice would you have for a new CEO in terms of managing a credit union and its employees?
Bellew: Every CEO has his or her own management style. Be true to yourself. Be true to your instincts. Don't try to be the former guy.
CUJ: What is your view on the future of credit unions?
Bellew: I think the future is fantastic, honestly. This is credit unions' moment to shine. We keep hearing banks aren't lending but I know the credit unions are. We've learned through the years that people are more loyal to credit unions than banks and other types of financial institutions. So, credit unions are willing to take a little more risk. I just think the future is terrific for credit unions.
