Desk Drawer Fund announces new Executive Director
EAST LANSING, MI (January 31, 2024) — Rebecca Surian has been named as the new Executive Director for the Desk Drawer Fund, the philanthropic foundation of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) and Oakland University Credit Union (OUCU).
Surian has been with MSUFCU since 2022 in the role of Vice President of University Relations. She will continue to hold that position in addition to her new role.
“In a short time, Rebecca’s influence already has inspired a greater level of engagement for Credit Union employees and leadership, with 71% contributing more than $245,000 of their earnings to the Desk Drawer Fund in 2023,” said April Clobes, President and CEO of MSUFCU. “Her experience will be a catalyst for the Fund’s community impact in the coming years.”
The Desk Drawer Fund was established in 2019 to support the places and people that make the communities surrounding MSUFCU and Oakland University Credit Union vibrant and strong. In 2023, the Desk Drawer Fund awarded transformational grants of $605,213 to 20 nonprofit organizations that support arts and culture, empowering youth, financial education, fostering entrepreneurialism, and stable housing.
As the executive director, Surian primarily will be responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program and philanthropic giving plan, working with the Board of Directors to implement strategic gift-giving, and other activities.
Before joining MSUFCU, Surian retired from Michigan State University after a distinguished 32-year career in higher education philanthropy. During her time at MSU, she was presented with the prestigious Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award.
“It’s been exciting to hit the ground running with our first annual celebration this past November,” Surian said of the inaugural donor event held last fall at MSUFCU headquarters in East Lansing. “I’m looking forward to leveraging my experience and working with the Board to grow the Desk Drawer Fund to even greater heights with increased support in the communities we serve.”
Surian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from MSU’s College of Arts & Letters. She has also earned a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy and has completed leadership development training through Gallup.
About Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)
Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 13 consecutive years, and a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winner for seven consecutive years. MSUFCU has also been certified as a Great Place to Work® for 10 consecutive years and has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. The Credit Union operates an award-winning, wholly owned credit union service organization, Reseda Group; along with digital financial platforms AlumniFi and Collegiate; trade name Oakland University Credit Union; and its foundation, the Desk Drawer Fund. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 24 branches; over 350,000 members; $7.61 billion in assets; and more than 1,100 employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.
About The Desk Drawer Fund
The Desk Drawer Fund was established in 2019 to empower MSU Federal Credit Union and Oakland University Credit Union members, employees, and other businesses to invest in our local communities and help them flourish. The Fund focuses on supporting organizations within its five philanthropic pillars — Arts and Culture, Empowering Youth, Financial Education, Fostering Entrepreneurialism, and Stable Housing — with charitable grants, volunteering, and other resources. To date, more than $2.1 million has been distributed. Among other sources, income is generated through employee contributions; new/existing credit union members; and a quarterly raffle. For more information, visit deskdrawerfund.org.
