Looking ahead for successful succession
Leadership development and continuing education efforts today lead to smooth transitions tomorrow.
Succession and internal development are a “major focus” for $400 million Century Federal Credit Union in Cleveland, says CUES member Sharon Churchill, CPA, CCE, president/CEO of the organization. As such, the CU’s management team is encouraged to attend at least one major industry conference annually and bring back what they’ve learned for sharing. Staff is also urged to take advantage of the credit union’s “healthy tuition plan,” an educational assistance program that provides up to $5,250 per year for regular full-time employees who have completed at least one year of continuous service at the CU, demonstrated competent performance and maintained an excellent attendance record. “Educational assistance is provided to those employees seeking to achieve a degree related to the credit union’s business interests or a course of study that applies to an area within the scope of the financial services industry,” she explains.
All Century FCU staff are also required to take a minimum of six hours of additional training as part of their annual Individual Development Plan to help broaden industry understanding and perspective, Churchill adds. Other IDP opportunities include attending internal programs delivered on site that are either designed and delivered by CU staff or developed by other agencies such as CUES, insurance brokers or benefits providers. Staff may also attend off-site seminars or conferences, participate in computer-based/online instruction delivered remotely, or independently pursue workshops and college courses to fulfill their IDP requirements.
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