Growth through trust, collaboration

David Murphy’s story is one of moving up.

He started as a member service representative and then moved through the roles of teller, loan servicing specialist, internal controls specialist, internal audit manager, vice president of finance and risk—and in May 2021, president of $86 million asset Marshfield (Wis.) Medical Center Credit Union.

Along the way he was selected as young professional adviser to the Wisconsin Credit Union League board from 2015 to 2018.

Murphy stresses that having members trust credit unions with their financial well-being is a huge responsibility and that leaders must keep up with the latest trends in financial education.

“That trust is something I never want to take for granted,” Murphy says. “We treat each interaction as an opportunity to not only showcase our credit union’s products and services but also our ability to provide sound guidance for those who seek it.”

Murphy comes to work every day aiming to have a positive impact on members and making decisions that both improve credit union operations and add value to the member experience.

As many can attest, the pandemic has been a huge challenge.

“Whether it was remote work, schedule changes, or procedural changes, our employees and members adapted on the fly to continue business as normal,” says Murphy. “Our staff has done a remarkable job of staying connected with members and creating innovative solutions to meet their needs.”

Although there are an abundance of financial products and services, most offerings can’t compete with credit unions for providing sound guidance and prioritizing consumers’ needs. 

“You can take out a mortgage strictly online, but what if you have questions on the process or want to discuss your options?” Murphy asks. “Credit unions will continue to differentiate themselves through their service.”

He values collaboration among credit unions, whether they’re down the street or across the country.

“Many of my friendships have derived from my involvement in the industry,” Murphy says. “It’s great to be able to lean on each other to brainstorm ways to lead our teams or better serve our members. I look forward to working with the next generation and helping other credit unions grow.”