CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Jobs
  • Contact

News

Home » An Expert in Human Nature
Lending CU Rock Stars 2015
Doug Blankenship

An Expert in Human Nature

'You can't see the future, which could include a member's loss of a job or even incarceration.'

October 6, 2015
No Comments
Doug Blankenship

DOUG BLANKENSHIP says he was “flabbergasted” when he learned he had been nominated as a Credit Union Magazine Rock Star.

It’s easy to understand why: In little more than a year at $50 million asset Cove Federal Credit Union in Edgewood, Ky., Doug’s people skills and insights into human nature have helped the credit union greatly streamline its lending procedures.

“Working as a team, we’ve been able to improve our loan turnaround time to better serve our members and their lending needs,” says Blankenship, Cove Federal’s senior underwriter.

He arrived at the credit union with years of retail experience. “One insight I brought with me was knowing there’s more to a lending decision than just looking at what others do when they decide whether to approve a loan.”

For one thing, it’s easy to get stuck in habits, he says. “Human beings are creatures of habit. When I came here, I put myself through an educational program that involved learning about our collections department and detecting any patterns in defaults or bankruptcies.”

What he learned has helped him spot details in members’ financial affairs that will help Cove Federal reach safe yes/no lending decisions.

Still, he says, you can bring all your experience and intuition to the table but they won’t guarantee the soundness of a loan. “You can’t see the future—which could include a borrower’s loss of a job or even incarceration. You can have an A+ caliber member who has an unexpected ‘uh-oh’ moment.”

Of course, different types of loans have different risk levels. Blankenship says that’s what makes the job interesting: Each loan has an intriguing element of novelty. “Every time I receive a loan application, it’s something new.”

Blankenship’s desk job gives no hint of what he’s like during off hours. Once an avid motorcyclist, he has ridden more than 40,000 miles. That’s the equivalent of crossing the U.S. west to east and back again almost seven times.

These days he no longer rides motorcycles, except for an occasional spin around the block.

“I’ve cut myself off from them,” he says. “What changed me was three kids. My life with them is Little League, gymnastics, and diaper changes. No time for bikes.”
 

KEYWORDS Credit Union Rock Stars

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine: Spring 2023

Spring 2023

Credit Union Magazine’s Spring 2023 issue features the 2023 Credit Union Heroes and examines CUNA-League advocacy priorities, board leadership, the impact of financial well-being efforts, fee-related compliance issues, predictions for the year ahead, and more.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • CUNA Mascot Madness: Voting opens for East Region

  • Mascot Madness: East winner crowned; Midwest voting opens

  • League leaders highlight credit union difference, safety, soundness

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

CUNA Mascot Madness: Which Midwest Region mascot is your favorite?

View Results
More

Champion for the Credit Union Movement

Credit Union National Association is the most influential financial services trade association and the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America's credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources for

  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Providers

Our Affiliates

  • American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
  • Credit Union Awareness
  • Credit Union House
  • CUNA Strategic Services
  • National Credit Union Foundation
GET CUNA UPDATES
© 2023 Credit Union National Association | ADA Compliance Notice & Legal
Email Us