CUNA
  • Advocacy
    • Priorities we’re fighting for
    • Actions you can take
  • News
  • Learn
  • Compliance
  • Shop
  • 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
  • COVID-19
  • Advertise
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Contact
Learn More about Member Value

News

Member Benefits
Learn more
Learn more about the benefits of membership.
Home » Coming home
Marketing CU Rock Stars 2019

Coming home

Matt Duthler finds his way home to make an impact at Northland Area FCU.

August 21, 2019
Darla Dernovsek
No Comments
Duthler-Matt_RS19_1200x630

The need to connect—with family, residents who need financial services, and a community that feels like home—led Matt Duthler to Northland Area Federal Credit Union in Oscoda, Mich.

A Michigan native, Duthler began his career teaching art and computer skills to parochial school students in Chicago before becoming a graphic design instructor at a community college near Alpena, Mich.

Matt Duthler

Click to enlarge. “T-Rex” (aka Matt Duthler) spends many weekends representing Northland Area FCU at community events.

He moved away and found success marketing office furniture to dealers nationwide.

But Duthler missed the family and friends he made in Alpena. So in 2017, he jumped at the chance to become marketing director for the $430 million asset credit union, which has a branch in Alpena and is currently building its future headquarters there.

Northland Area Federal’s staff T-shirt combines the credit union’s pine tree logo and name with “HOME,” which makes it a good fit for Duthler.
After two years working for a credit union, he feels at home teaching people about products that improve their financial health.

He relies on his “very optimistic” approach with a willingness to roll up his sleeves to work on projects that grow the credit union.

Meet the 2019 Credit Union Rock Stars

“At Northland, I’ve been reminded how much credit unions impact our communities, whether it’s helping a small business flourish or taking a risk so a member can secure a car loan for reliable transportation to get to work,” Duthler says.

Northland Area Federal’s Oscoda headquarters is located on the former site of Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Duthler and his co-workers planned a veterans’ appreciation event that included lunch at the local American Legion hall and a pinning ceremony for Vietnam War veterans.

Duthler brings outside-the-box ideas from other industries to serve the financial needs of Northland Area Federal’s small communities.

“That can mean taking risks,” he says. “But if you don’t take risks, you can’t expand into new opportunities.”

As a relative newcomer, he appreciates credit unions’ willingness to share information about initiatives he can adapt to suit Northland Area Federal.
Duthler and his family often spend time on nearby Lake Huron. Having a Great Lake at his doorstep keeps Duthler close to home and close to the credit union’s members, which is where he wants to be.

“I get to see how much we’re impacting members here.”

Back Rock Stars Next

 

KEYWORDS Rock Stars

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine - Spring 2021

Spring 2021

Credit Union Magazine’s Spring 2021 edition features CUNA's 2021 advocacy agenda, strategic planning guidance, and labor market insights.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • 4 tips for #CURockStars nominations

  • 48 credit union leaders graduate from Foundation’s virtual DE Program

  • Longer CU loan maturities could make education more affordable

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

How have vaccination efforts affected your remote work policy?

View Results
More

Champion of America’s Credit Unions

Credit Union National Association is 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

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Recommended Websites
  • Privacy Policy

Resources for

  • CUNA Board Members
  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Vendors