NACUSO expands executive team with industry professionals Adam Lee, Rebecca Isaacs, and Sedric Brinson
EUGENE, OR (May 24, 2024) — The National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations (NACUSO) is thrilled to announce a dynamic infusion of talent with the appointment of three visionary leaders to its executive team. Joining NACUSO are Adam Lee as Head of Innovation, Rebecca Isaacs as Head of Sustainability, and Sedric Brinson as Head of Collaboration. This strategic alignment underscores NACUSO’s commitment to driving forward-thinking initiatives, fostering sustainable practices, and enhancing cooperative efforts within the credit union industry.
Under the leadership of new President/CEO Ronaldo Hardy, NACUSO is preparing for transformative change, ready to Inspire Innovation, Cultivate Collaboration, and Strengthen Sustainability for the organization and its members!
“We’re excited to introduce this dynamic new team at NACUSO! Collectively, they add strength and expertise that will help us advance our strategic plan,” said Ronaldo Hardy, President/CEO of NACUSO. “As our industry is transforming, we look forward to contributing to the future of credit unions with passion, innovation, and a whole lot of fun.”
Adam Lee brings a wealth of experience in transforming financial services through innovative solutions and strategic foresight. Recently, Adam served as a Social Impact Consultant for SOULCHI International, guiding the company’s efforts in virtues-based learning and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. His expertise in social impact methodologies and accountability mechanisms has advanced corporate social responsibility.
At the Filene Research Institute, Adam was the Incubator Director, driving economic inclusion and innovation. His “Reaching Minority Households” program delivered over 50,000 loans totaling $85 million, closing the economic achievement gap. Adam’s multifaceted approach to innovation, combined with his empathetic leadership style, makes him a valuable asset to NACUSO.
Lee holds a Master of Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE), with additional certifications in Strategic Foresight and DEI from Cornell University.
“I firmly believe financial well-being has an outsized impact on an individual’s and community’s overall well-being. Credit unions can be uniquely positioned to lead this charge when they, and supporting entities in the movement, fully embody the credit union purpose and mission,” said Lee. “In these tumultuous times, credit unions must unlock their full potential by all means at their disposal. I am grateful to join Ronaldo, the NACUSO Board, and this amazing team to inspire, supercharge, and diplomatically disrupt (as Ronaldo says) the credit union movement. I am ready to bring the action!”
The National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations (NACUSO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Isaacs as the new Head of Sustainability. With a robust background in partnerships, development, and financial literacy, Rebecca brings a wealth of experience and a passion for sustainability to NACUSO.
Rebecca Isaacs has been a pivotal figure at the Credit Union Association of New Mexico, serving as Vice President of Partnerships and Development. In this role, she developed strategic partnerships with credit union vendors, directed financial literacy campaigns, and raised funds for the UNM Children’s Hospital. Her leadership extended to managing youth marketing programs, orchestrating major events like the CUANM Annual Meeting, and fostering collaborative efforts across the credit union community.
Prior to this, Rebecca was a Dedicated Brand and Product Specialist at Nusenda Credit Union, where she spearheaded award-winning community rewards campaigns and managed significant company events. Rebecca also served as Marketing Director for Leadership New Mexico and held various roles in marketing communications and business development across multiple organizations. Her extensive experience in social media management, content creation, and community outreach has consistently driven engagement and development in her previous roles.
Rebecca holds a B.S. in Communication with a focus on Public Relations from Eastern New Mexico University, where she was recognized as an Outstanding Undergraduate in Public Relations, and has also received her Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designation. Her skills in brand creation, public relations, and conference planning, combined with her dedication to financial education, make her an invaluable asset to NACUSO. Rebecca’s commitment to sustainability and her comprehensive experience in credit union services position her to lead NACUSO’s sustainability initiatives with great success!
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a dynamic team! I love credit unions, and I can’t wait to begin collaborating with CUSOs, as they play a key role in credit union sustainability,” said Isaacs. “I am proud to be involved in the networking, opportunities, and solutions that will drive our movement forward with NACUSO.”
Sedric Brinson has a proven track record of fostering growth and engagement within the credit union sector. Most recently, he served as an Engagement Consultant for America’s Credit Unions and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), where he engaged with Credit Union CEOs and hosted numerous league annual meetings. His role as a brand ambassador and advocate for credit unions has significantly impacted the community and enhanced credit union visibility.
Prior to his consultancy roles, Sedric was the AVP/Brand Ambassador at Statewide Federal Credit Union, where he directly contributed to increasing the credit union’s membership from 16,500 to over 20,000 and growing assets from $117 million to $169 million. His efforts in financial literacy forums and educational seminars, in partnership with various school districts, have been instrumental in expanding the credit union’s reach and impact.
Sedric’s extensive background in sales, public speaking, and team collaboration has equipped him with the skills necessary to excel in his new role at NACUSO. Sedric holds a degree from Tougaloo College and has completed the CUNA Management School at TCU and the MS School of Banking at Ole Miss. He is also a certified Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) and the founder of L.E.A.D., Mississippi’s first Young Professionals Group (Leaders Engaged In Action and Development).
“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with NACUSO as the Head of Collaboration,” said Brinson. “With extreme enthusiasm and a passion for fostering innovative partnerships, I can’t wait to work together to drive transformative change and unlock new opportunities for success!”
With these exceptional additions to the executive team, NACUSO is poised to accelerate its mission of empowering credit unions to thrive in an ever-evolving financial landscape. Stay tuned for transformative initiatives that will shape the future of the credit union community.
These searches were completed in partnership with Humanidei. Humanidei brings decades of credit union system experience to the recruiting process, ensuring executive placements that will carry organizations forward in fulfillment of their mission. www.humanidei.com
About NACUSO
The National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations (NACUSO) was founded in 1985 to help credit unions explore the use of CUSOs and the delivery of non-traditional products and services. Over the years, NACUSO’s focus has evolved to helping credit unions form wholly and multi-owned CUSOs and participate in collaboration and the cooperative business model. Today, NACUSO serves over 300 member organizations as an education organization and network for collaborators and innovators, amplifying the voice of credit unions and CUSOs by providing resources to help people collaborate, identify opportunities, build businesses, and find solutions.
