OCCU is looking for members passionate about making a difference

By Bill Inge, OCCU Board Member

I have been an active credit union member since I was 16 years old and applied for my first auto loan. Over the years, I have had several credit union accounts and was always very satisfied with the service I received. Then, after the birth of premature twins, I hit a time of significant financial distress; I wasn’t sure where to turn. Thanks to the support of my credit union and the kind ear of a loan officer named Linea (yes, I still remember her name after all these years), I was approved for a loan that by all accounts, I shouldn't have been given because of my credit score. I was afforded the opportunity to sit down with Linea and share my story. I felt cared about, trusted and listened to. I didn’t think my financial institution would do this for me. That single instance made me a dedicated credit union member for life.

I’ve been an OCCU member for many years. When asked to consider serving on the Board, I recalled my experience and the stories of people I had met who had struggled to get loans from banks and credit unions alike, because of difficult circumstances - some outside of their control. I decided I wanted to see how I might influence a positive change where individuals are more than just a credit score and the circumstances of one’s financial needs are a part of the consideration in loan approvals.

I also believed I could learn and grow through the opportunity to serve and work side-by-side with credit union management and staff and the other Board Members. I have found that to be the case. My time on the OCCU Board has helped to influence how I look at my business and how successful businesses operate. OCCU is a well-run financial institution. The management, staff and Board Members are smart, articulate, visionary people, and I feel honored to be a part of the team. I can honestly say that together we do make a difference for our members and the communities we serve.

If you are interested in sharing your expertise by contributing your talents, experience, ideas and passion for OCCU and the credit union movement, I encourage you to learn more about what Board Service means at OCCU. I believe this is a unique and rewarding experience, and I encourage you to consider applying today.

For more information about Board service, please visit MyOCCU.org/board-directors or contact OCCU Board Member and Nominating Committee Chair, Bill Inge at OCCUBoardofDirectors@MyOCCU.org.

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The Board of Directors at OCCU serves as the voice of the membership and works with Management to set the strategic direction for the credit union. The Board is   responsible for supervising the CEO, monitoring financial performance and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The Supervisory Committee acts as our members’ representative in monitoring operations, ensuring that an overall financial audit and verification of members’ accounts are performed and that the Credit Union has adequate internal controls in place. The Committee reviews all audits and reports any significant findings to the Board of Directors.

Members interested in serving on the OCCU Board of Directors or Supervisory Committee must submit an Application and meet these minimum requirements:

• Be a current member of OCCU and at least 18 years of age;
• Satisfy the bonding requirements of the Credit Union;
• Agree to the terms of the Credit Union’s Code of Ethics Policy;
• Agree to maintain confidentiality of Credit Union information and protect member privacy;

Not be employed by the Credit Union or its subsidiaries; or by another financial institution during the past two years.