Melissa Marquez, CEO of Genesse Co-Op FCU in Rochester, N.Y., and member of the board of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions:
I am one of seven women serving on the board, which currently has 14 filled seats. The 15th seat was filled by a woman until recently, so we had a majority of women in leadership following our elections at our June annual meeting. I do think it is important for our national boards to reflect the full diversity of its members, including gender representation. I am excited when I see leadership that reflects that diversity and certainly the Federation has reflected diversity during my seven years of service and long before that.
I really didn’t know how many women served on CUNA’s or NAFCU’s boards but I saw on its website that CUNA has 10 women of 24 elected directors. I was very surprised to see that NAFCU had no women currently serving on its board. I don’t know what it has been like for these boards over the years, but clearly when there are no women, I see that as a real problem and would hope that NAFCU’s board and membership is trying to address that issue and not by just having one or two women board members, but more like four, five, or six women on the board.
Clearly there is no lack of women to provide leadership within the credit union movement–that wasn’t always the case. I think it’s important at the credit union board level to the state and national levels to see women equally reflected on the boards of credit union organizations as well as in executive positions.
Carla Altepeter, president/CEO of CitizensFirst Credit Union in Oshkosh, Wis., and CUES vice chair:
First, I think it is most important for boards to have competent board members who have a passion for the organization and its mission. And then second, it is important to reflect the diversity of its members.
Men and women, for example, have different histories and have perspectives that enable them to evaluate issues and develop unique alternative solutions. This brings variety and richness to the boardroom and strengthens the organization…it is getting better. At CUES for example, we talk about diversity on the board often. We desire to have a board with gender and ethnic diversity as well as representation from CUs of varying asset size and geographic location ... more women are being hired into the CEO position at large credit unions.
When I started as CEO 16 years ago the number was very small, today that number is much larger and growing all the time…we bring unique perspectives and different skills sets and having a more balanced board in terms of skills, perspectives, etc., will make organizations more effective. Women and men who are on boards should continue to talk about diversity and discuss potential board members who will bring a wide variety of experiences, talent and history to their board. As I mentioned, on the CUES board, this is a regular part of the discussion when we consider potential board members.”
Carol Humenick, SVP/community and government affairs for Citadel Federal Credit Union in Thorndale, Penn., and immediate past chair/director of the CUES board:
I think CUES has always had women on its board. At other organizations, some are more well-represented than others. Women make the majority of financial decisions in the household. It’s important to have their representation. I think more should be done. I think a start would be to get a consensus of the board and set a diversity policy, and then proactively get industry leaders. Perhaps invite them to a board meeting. Commitment from the board is important.
