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 » Supercharging the board
Directors CU Rock Stars 2020

Supercharging the board

Margaret Palmer engages volunteers with impactful opportunities.

September 25, 2020
Olivia Barrow
8 Comments
Margaret Palmer

Recruiting volunteers can be a tough sell, but not for Margaret Palmer.

As chair of the nominating committee for $237 million asset OAS Federal Credit Union in Washington, D.C., and a volunteer herself, Palmer has revolutionized the volunteer experience for the global credit union that formed in 1962 to serve employees of the Organization of American States.

Every year, nearly 60 volunteers from 22 countries serve on various committees to provide the credit union with expertise in areas such as regulatory compliance, public relations, human capital management, technology, finance and investments, and business development.

With Palmer and her committee encouraging volunteerism, the credit union recently increased the size of each committee from five to seven members. Some committees even have a volunteer waitlist.

Palmer says the secret to engaging volunteers is providing opportunities to make a real impact on the credit union’s operations.

“Volunteers are greatly encouraged and enjoy a sense of satisfaction when their input—ideas, suggestions, recommendations, or specialized skills—becomes a reality in the actions and decisions taken by the credit union,” Palmer says.

Meet the 2020 Credit Union Rock Stars

Since getting involved with the credit union as a volunteer in 2014, Palmer has led many special projects to support the success of the credit union by improving the volunteer program. She challenged the nominating committee to commit to finding two additional candidates for vacant board member seats to make sure there is never a shortage of diverse and qualified candidates for the board and credit committee.

“One of our achievements has been the ability to attract and retain young volunteers—a current challenge within the credit union movement—who can provide the credit union with value-added perspectives for the future,” Palmer says.

She also made recommendations to the Volunteer Leadership Program, an education initiative that helps members of committees and the board develop personal and professional abilities, serve in their roles more capably, and become volunteer leaders.

During the rigorous program, participants attend workshops, seminars, and discussions over a period of 16 months to two years. It’s now a highly sought-after opportunity for development among OAS volunteers.

“The Volunteer Leadership Program can be viewed as a tool that embraces innovation, change, risk-taking, and open sharing of ideas and opinions—and as a place where interactive approaches are strengthened,” Palmer says.

Back Rock Stars Next

 

KEYWORDS Credit Union Rock Stars

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine: Winter 2022

Winter 2022

Credit Union Magazine’s Winter 2022 issue highlights data-driven marketing, the board’s role in cybersecurity, elder abuse scams, credit unions’ auto lending advantage, and more.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • Reps introduce bipartisan Credit Union Board Modernization Act

  • Compliance: Experts analyze NCUA’s 2023 supervisory priorities

  • CFPB must convene SBREFA panel for credit card fee rulemaking

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

How do you feel about the economy in 2023?

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