A Written Message from the Candidate
Dear CU*Answers Owners,
I am writing to express my excitement about running for the Board of Directors at CUAnswers. As the CEO of Journey Federal Credit Union, I have been an owner of CUAnswers since 2021 and completed our conversion in December of last year. The service and support we received from CUAnswers during our conversion and in every interaction since then have been exceptional. I am deeply impressed by the level of dedication and commitment shown by the organization.
As a relatively new owner of CUAnswers, I believe I can bring a unique and fresh perspective to the Board of Directors. While the current Board has a wealth of experience, I am confident that my background can complement their expertise, especially as traditional banking channels continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Throughout my career, I have advocated for collaboration and resource-sharing to elevate all stakeholders, rejecting zero-sum ideologies. This approach is exemplified by the CUSO model, which enables credit unions to work together and leverage each other’s strengths to achieve greater success. I am a founding member and current Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for MiCUSO, a Michigan-based Accounting and Finance Credit Union Service Organization. Since its inception, MiCUSO has grown exponentially, having already entered contracts with seven organizations. By sharing resources and collaborating with one another, we can stay relevant and competitive with larger players in an increasingly consolidated landscape.
With almost two decades of experience in the nonprofit financial services sector, I am a seasoned professional in the field. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Business Administration in Integrated Management from the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management at Michigan State University. I was also certified as a NAFCU Certified Compliance Officer (NCCO) by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions and as a Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) by the American Society for Quality.
Outside of work, I am committed to pursuing physical and mental challenges. I am a Level 1 CrossFit Trainer and a certified Master Scuba Diver. I also dedicate my time to serving my local and regional community, having served on several state and local boards, commissions, and committees including the Michigan Association of United Ways, Michigan 2-1-1, Michigan Energy Options, City of East Lansing’s Downtown Management Board, City of East Lansing’s Downtown Development Authority, and City of East Lansing’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. I received the Crystal Award in 2018, honoring those dedicated to improving community life in the city.
As an ambassador for the Credit Union movement, I have served on cross-organizational committees, teams, and thinktanks. I have testified and authored comment letters to lawmakers on behalf of the Michigan Credit Union League and have also worked with legislative aides, trade groups, and attorneys in crafting regulatory language. In 2020, I was named the Michigan Credit Union League Young Professional of the Year, recognizing my contributions to the industry.
As a member of the Board of Directors, I would work tirelessly to continue the growth and success of the organization. I have a pragmatic and thorough approach that allows me to translate abstract visions into implementable solutions that achieve more with less. I would be honored to contribute to the continued growth and success of the organization.
Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I hope to earn your support to have the opportunity to serve on your CU*Answers Board of Directors.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Kusler