When determining the strength of Coastal Federal Credit Union as an organization, CEO Chuck Purvis always asks the same existential question: Why do we exist?
“An important part of the work we do is to get our employees aligned with why we exist, both in how we recruit as well as how we develop our internal talent,” said Purvis. “Employees are given many professional development opportunities, whether it’s a conference, workshop, leadership program or online course.”
Raleigh, N.C.-based Coastal Credit Union was ranked No. 12 overall in the
All Coastal employees age 35 and under, he added, are eligible to participate in the “Protégé Competition,” which is held among credit unions throughout North and South Carolina.
“The competition features an essay and a presentation [and] the winner of Coastal’s internal competition goes on to participate in a local competition, where they can (and for the past three years have) qualify for the North Carolina/South Carolina finals,” explained Purvis.
Non-management employees are offered the opportunity to attend Camp Coastal, a two-day workshop that teaches credit union principles and philosophy, and features a number of exercises that teach empathy and seeing things through a member’s eyes, explained Purvis.
“The result is employees who are more aligned with our mission, vision and values, and have a better sense of purpose about the work they do and are energized to make a difference in their daily work,” said Purvis.
Coastal CU managers are afforded the same training through the Carolinas Credit Union League’s “Principles & Philosophy” workshop. Twenty four Coastal CU leaders, including the CU’s entire senior management team, have completed the National Credit Union Foundation’s Credit Union Development Educators program, added Purvis.
Founded in 1967, Coastal CU supports 23 branches and more than 250,000 members with more than $3 billion in assets.
