Gamblin, senior vice president and chief administration officer for the $840 million asset institution in Oklahoma City, started her credit union career in 2000 as True Sky’s (formerly FAA Credit Union) human resource administrator.
Since then, Gamblin has taken on a wide variety of roles in leadership, strategic planning, training, marketing, collections, branches, and enterprise risk management—all of which prepared her well for her current position.
“She passionately leads our culture and advocacy for the credit union movement,” Cahill says. “No matter what the initiative, from converting our core system to building our foundation to remodeling a kindergarten classroom, Julie is always front and center.”
During the pandemic, Gamblin launched a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program that completed hundreds of tax returns for the community.
She’s also part of the credit union’s “Sky Crew,” which performs random acts of kindness around the Oklahoma City metro area.
Her most meaningful accomplishment is the True Sky Credit Union Foundation, which she created in 2020 to fund various charitable causes—including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and college scholarships.
She’s dedicated to the credit union industry.
“Working with people who truly care is why I have continued to work in the credit union industry for over 21 years,” Gamblin says.
True Sky took special care of members during the pandemic, making more than 15,000 wellness check calls to elderly and vulnerable members. Staff also arranged for grocery deliveries and medication pickup. They even helped one member take her cat to the veterinarian.
The pandemic proved the value of investing in technology to improve agility and stability.
“We are growing and becoming a technology company with a purpose, but it is still vital to retain and even improve the same extraordinary credit union service,” she says. “In today’s rapidly changing financial landscape, credit unions must be more tech-savvy and provide the seamless digital services members expect.”
Gamblin lives and breathes the credit union movement and will always continue her professional development.
“She already has five professional designations and is a lifelong learner,” says Cahill. “In 10 years she may have 15 more of these designations, and I fully expect her to be a CEO at her own shop.”
Credit Union Magazine’s Summer 2023 issue highlights the lending outlook for the rest of the year, how credit unions leverage fintech companies to boost digital lending, the power of lending partnerships, common Bank Secrecy Act violations, and the shift board members must make when becoming chair.
