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 » How to be a CIO
Technology

How to be a CIO

‘The higher you get in the organization, the less your technology skills will matter.’

October 4, 2017
Bill Merrick
No Comments
How to be a CIO

If you want to ascend to the top technology spot in a credit union, learn to collaborate, communicate, and bring value to all areas of the organization.

That’s the consensus of a panel of hiring experts at the co-located CUNA Technology Council and CUNA Operations & Member Experience Council Conferences Tuesday in Phoenix.

“In the past, technology people were put in a back room and, as long as the computers worked, everything was ok,” says Bobby Michael, president/CEO of Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union in Daleville, Ala. “Now, information technology departments need to be integrated with other departments. We don’t need loners; we need CIOs who can integrate into the mainstream and who are good collaborators and communicators.”

Brian Kidwell, executive vice president at D. Hilton Associates, agrees the role of the chief information officer (CIO) and chief technology officer (CTO) is changing. “When we started, it was all about, ‘Does this person have Symitar experience?’ But it’s not about products or the latest piece of equipment or software anymore,” he says. “It’s about using technology to find out what members need or to help staff serve members faster. CIOs don’t even need to have banking experience.”

Another requirement, adds Jessica Jarman, assistant vice president of recruiting for D. Hilton Associates: Seeing the big picture.

“Technology has evolved from a necessary evil to a strategic contributor,” she says. “CIOs need to understand the big picture. They need to manage and develop their team.”

Michael agrees. “Take the initiative and learn as much about the credit union as you can outside the IT department. The higher you get in the organization, the less your technology skills will matter.”

Sell your CU

There’s a hot market for technology positions now, Jarman says. So when a credit union finds the right person, they need to move fast with a job offer.

“Be ready to move because these people might already have two or three other offers,” she says.

One of the best-selling points for top candidates is the culture of credit unions, “how credit unions are passionate about servicing their membership,” Jarman says.

Michael meets with candidates to explain his credit union’s culture and strategic plan—and even gives them gift baskets.

“We’re selling our credit union,” he says. “You’re asking someone to leave the known and come to the unknown. It’s not necessarily about money.”

►Click here for more conference coverage from CUNA News, and get live updates on Twitter via @CUNACraig, @cumagazine, and  @CUNACouncils, and by using the #TechOpSS hashtag. Learn more about the CUNA Councils, a member-led professional society for credit union executives, at cunacouncils.org.

KEYWORDS CUNA Technology Council

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