CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • 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
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Jobs
  • Contact

News

Home » Loans that make a difference
Operations CU Rock Stars 2020

Loans that make a difference

As a hands-on CFO, Kevin Mietlicki has shaped products that make Alternatives FCU a valued community partner.

September 25, 2020
Mark Crawford
One Comment
Kevin Mietlicki

Little did Kevin Mietlicki realize that when he took his first job in the credit union industry in 1991, it would lead to such a rewarding career.

“I wasn’t actually sure what a credit union was back then, two years out of college with my only financial industry experience being a savings and checking account at a local bank,” he admits. “I was hired as the accounting manager for Niagara County Federal Credit Union in Lockport, N.Y. As it turns out, that is one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Mietlicki joined $118 million asset Alternatives Federal Credit Union in Ithaca, N.Y., four years ago as chief financial officer. 

“I thought I had learned everything about credit unions, but Alternatives takes it to another level,” he says. “Through its commitment to being a community development credit union, and their willingness to let the finance guy take some out-of-the-box training, I have been able to work with fantastic organizations like Opportunity Finance Network, Inclusiv, Appalachian Community Capital, and Empire State Development.”

Mietlicki is involved in all aspects of the credit union. He mentors new or struggling managers and “has played a vital role in our strategic planning and pushing us to do more in the community and take on more risk to serve marginalized members of our community,” says Reiley Schoen, Alternatives’ chief operating officer. 

Meet the 2020 Credit Union Rock Stars

“Kevin also formed our business development team that brought together business lending, business account services, and business educational services to share information and create new ideas,” Schoen says. 

He is especially proud of two new loan products—the TransAction loan, serving the LGBTQ+ community, and ReEntry loan, which helps previously incarcerated people rejoin their communities. During the pandemic, Mietlicki helped raise more than $3.5 million in emergency funds for local small businesses.

“Every day I come to work my goal is to help create a strong credit union that meets the needs of our members,” he says. “Some days it is by making the financial decision; other days it is assisting managers with solutions. Sometimes it is just by being a good co-worker and listening to someone share their story. I am honored to work with such devoted people whose mission is to build wealth and create economic opportunity for underserved people and communities.”

Back Rock Stars Next

 

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: Which mascots deserve a spot in the championship?

  • CUNA Mascot Madness: See the West winner and vote for the South champ

  • CFPB releases section 1071 small business lending final rule

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

Mascot Madness: Semifinal 1

Mascot Madness: Semifinal 2

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