Be kind, compassionate, and empathetic.

It sounds simple enough, but Andy Reed says a societal effort to be good human beings would go a long way to improve life for minorities.

Reed, president/CEO at $482 million asset Security First Credit Union in Edinburg, Texas, joins associate editor Brock Fritz on this episode of the CUNA News Podcast. He discusses how his career path didn’t have some of the hurdles that other members of the LGBTQ+ community face. 

Reed also shares why Pride Month is about history and community education, how he’s helped open eyes in the credit union movement, how Security First has “taken a stand for the people,” and how minorities can overcome negativity.

“Don't let that be something that stops you, limits you, or makes you think that you're less than,” he says. “Get on with being extraordinary people and living your dreams. I look at life as an opportunity. You can absolutely create whatever future you want.”

Listen now to hear what else the 19-year credit union veteran, who’s also made stops at American Airlines Credit Union, Texas People Federal Credit Union, and Baylor Health Care System Credit Union, has to say about the industry, Pride Month, and more.

You can listen to the CUNA News Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Stitcher Radio.

In this episode:

0:23: Episode introduction

1:28: Andy Reed’s credit union career path

5:05: How Reed came to Security First Credit Union

5:59: Diversity at Security First

6:56: “Opening eyes along the way”

7:20: Security First’s in-house culture work

9:15: What’s happening at Security First?

12:30: The meaning of Pride Month

18:10: The credit union movement’s DEI efforts

20:10: Minorities’ place in society

20:55: “Get back to being kind”

25:00: Being the best person you can be

Read more about Reed in the CUNA News article, “Pride is about history.”