Tyler Valentine has spent the last 10 years leading his credit union. And he’s not even 40 years old.

He took over the CEO position at Laramie (Wyo.) Plains Federal Credit Union when he was 25.

“It was definitely a big step to take,” Valentine says. “It was a bit scary for sure.”

Valentine credits his background in allowing him to transition into the CEO role successfully.

Throughout college he worked part-time at the $50 million asset credit union, starting as a teller and loan processor, but also filling in throughout the credit union when people changed jobs or took vacation or maternity leave.

Not only did this give him experience in the credit union industry, it also allowed him understand the credit union and the community.

After graduating from college, Valentine worked at another credit union for two years, first as the director of member services and then as the chief operations officer.

“When the CEO left [Laramie Plains Federal], the chairman of the board called me and asked me if I’d be interested in throwing my name in the ring,” he says. “I happened to be the candidate they selected.”

Valentine discusses his credit union background and how that prepared him for his role as CEO in a recent conversation with the CUNA News Podcast.

He also talks about how he learned to be a leader, explains what he wished he knew before taking on the CEO role, and offers advice for young professionals who wish to advance in the credit union industry.

You can listen and subscribe to the CUNA News Podcast in Apple’s iTunes Store, Google Play, and Stitcher Radio.