SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in Santa Ana, Calif., offers a multifaceted development program for directors. Shelly Berryman, vice president of board and committee relations at the $26 billion asset credit union, says the program includes:
Board Chair Greg Marchant is an educator, which strengthens his belief in the importance of tailoring training to meet the needs of specific directors. Marchant began serving on SchoolsFirst Federal’s President’s Forum in 1998 and joined other committees before becoming a director in 2005.
The credit union uses gap analysis to identify individual training needs and offer development options to fill knowledge gaps.
“All of us learn at different paces and from different styles,” Marchant says. “Having the flexibility to choose courses from accredited partners or selecting breakout sessions that fill my individual knowledge gaps is extremely helpful.”
He also appreciates interacting with SchoolsFirst Federal’s team.
“Connecting with those who serve on the front line and hearing the heartfelt stories of how we help our members always ignites my passion and reminds me that the work we do day in and day out is so important,” Marchant says.
Berryman subscribes to various publications that she scans daily for articles, materials, and training resources, which are shared with directors via an online learning management system that serves as the board’s development portal.
Some topics require an added level of time and attention, she says. For example, directors can earn a cybersecurity certification through an online program.
When the pandemic hit, the board added a monthly update to each meeting to hear from every senior leader about COVID-19’s impact.
Kevin Smith, consultant/publisher at TEAM Resources, offers this approach for creating board development plans:
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