Credit Unions Will Miss You, Fred Johnson

by: Jay Kassing, President, MARQUIS

What is more difficult, leading men into grave danger during the Vietnam War or mustering a common purpose with willing credit union believers?  I think we can agree that it is likely the former.  Yet the difficulty of the task (life and death vs. growth and education) only underscores one big reason for fighting in the first place: to maintain our American way of life.  Can we also agree that Credit Unions present one idea worth fighting for?

It has been said that during the past 23 years of Fred’s leadership that CUES has tripled in revenue and doubled in membership.  Yet these results pale in comparison to the lives touched by Fred throughout his career.  Whether on the battlefield, at West Point, at CUES or at home, Fred has led.  It is in his being.

Isn’t it remarkable that a man who’s entire career has placed him square in front of a group of men and women wanting to know what next, that Fred has led an organization which teaches others to do exactly the same thing?  How do you find and create leaders?  How do you train someone to make the right decision when the bullets start whizzing by you?  Consider the purpose of CUES.

Changes abound in the Credit Union Community.  New regulatory burdens may prove especially challenging.  Competition from all corners, including new mobile channels look to re-shape the entire financial services industry.  A downward compression of margins has been cooking for about 20 years.  How will branches exist or be leveraged in the future?  20 years ago the issues may have been different…or not so much.  To a leader, “change” will always be in the windshield more than it is ever in the rear view mirror.  Yet leaders know that history offers a great many lessons.

As we look backward over these 23 years, Fred has proven to be a remarkable leader for CUES.  Now as we say goodbye, Fred leaves behind his most important legacy: preparing an organization to thrive without him.

Congratulations Fred.  You will be missed.

Jay Kassing is President of MARQUIS, a Texas based provider of marketing solutions including MCIF/CRM software, MCIF services, consulting and direct mail creative/fulfillment.  He makes his latest book, “Change Your Marketing, Change Your Results,” available for free at his website.  He can be reached at jayk@gomarquis.com. www.gomarquis.com