Carol Marx comes to the Hawaii Credit Union League from the fast-paced mortgage banking industry.
Carol Marx took over as president/CEO at the Hawaii Credit Union League in April following the retirement of former president/CEO Dennis Tanimoto.
She addresses her leadership philosophy and top priorities and challenges.
Credit Union Magazine: What’s your biggest challenge as an incoming CEO?
Carol Marx: With the general unrest in the world, the nation, and the local landscape due to war, energy, supply issues, and taxation, it is difficult for me to select my single biggest challenge.
Getting up to speed with NCUA regulations, CUNA advocacy messages, and local threats to the credit union tax exemption are a few to speak of.
Thankfully, with a proficient and tenured staff, there remains a constant level of service to our members, which helps alleviate my current challenges.
Q: How would you describe your leadership philosophy?
A: My leadership philosophy will change over time. Coming from the fast‐paced mortgage banking industry that was performance focused, the management style in the administration of a trade association that provides support to league members will differ.
The team previously determined the desired directions for change, and it is evident that they have identified the best services for the organization despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Currently, I will stay the course and not steer in a different direction but use a new leadership style.
‘Maintaining favorable views of the mission of credit unions with the state legislature is a priority.’
Q: How has leadership shifted since the outset of the pandemic?
A: From my observations, the leadership remained quite the same as remote work allowed the league to manage is responsibilities effectively and safely.
Over the past two years, adoption of technology provided efficiencies which created better work/life balance for employees that will sustain the strength of the organization.
Q: What’s your biggest strategic priority?
A: At 10 weeks, the priority is in the developmental stage. With limited insight it is still too new to call it out.
However, maintaining favorable views of the mission of credit unions with the state legislature is a priority. It will be a prominent way to ensure credit union member values remain intact, with tax exemption benefits and other regulatory relief for financial institutions in general.
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.
