In a heartwarming and surprising gesture of gratitude and appreciation, the staff, Board of Directors, and Supervisory Committee of Shell Federal Credit Union (Shell FCU) gathered on October 25th to dedicate and present a unique gift, "The Acorn," to their fearless and servant leader, Mr. Jose Rodriguez.
For more than a year, the staff of Shell FCU secretly fundraised with unyielding determination to purchase this remarkable "Acorn" as a dedication to their beloved leader. The surprise began when the Acorn arrived, masked in a colossal box, and was carefully painted while Mr. Rodriguez was away attending a conference.
Jose Rodriguez, who has spent an impressive 30 years at Shell FCU and 15 years as its CEO, stands out as a visionary leader with an approach unlike any other financial institution CEO. He exemplifies the true essence of servant leadership, a philosophy not governed by titles, tenure, or position but driven by unwavering commitment and persistent effort on a daily basis.
Having started his career at Shell FCU as a teller, Jose has a unique journey that showcases his resilience and passion. When he joined the credit union in 1993, it served just 16,000 members and managed $81.4 million in assets. His ambitious vision and unwavering dedication have set a remarkable precedent for young professionals.
Jose's relentless drive and leadership led to his appointment as President and CEO in August 2008, and since then, Shell FCU's assets have skyrocketed to over $1.8 billion with a membership of approximately 145,000. Yet, Mr. Rodriguez is quick to share the credit for this phenomenal growth with the entire organization. He firmly believes that every member of the organization plays a crucial role, from tellers to IT, accounting to marketing, and every department in between.
Mr. Rodriguez is known for creating a positive work environment that fosters employee growth and engagement. He constantly motivates and cheers on the staff, expressing his "We Are Shell" chant through emails, speeches, and appearances.
On October 25, 2023, Jose Rodriguez was surprised with a special gift – "The Acorn" – in the newly finished employee courtyard between the existing Shell FCU Deer Park branch and the nearly completed four-story corporate office. This symbol of an acorn is significant, representing growth, fresh beginnings, and untapped potential. Just as the small and unassuming acorn holds the promise of becoming a mighty oak tree that reaches for the sky and spreads its branches far and wide, Jose's leadership has nurtured the growth of countless individuals and the entire Shell FCU community.
"The Acorn" is a small token of appreciation from the entire Shell FCU family, including the staff, Board of Directors, Supervisory Committee, and SLI Group. It signifies our profound gratitude for Jose's unwavering commitment, servant leadership, and his remarkable impact on Shell Federal Credit Union and the communities it serves.
In the words of the Shell FCU family, "We thank you, and we love you!"
