The Power of Volunteerism

By Laurie Baker, President and CEO

For many young people, volunteerism can play an important role in personal growth and skill development. It can offer a platform for discovering passions and interests, building social skills, and getting real-world experience. Gaining a sense of fulfillment while making a positive impact on the community can be very rewarding. Building friendships with like-minded individuals along the way is the icing on the cake. The power of camaraderie and collaboration is priceless.

For adults, the benefits of volunteerism can extend far beyond personal growth. Balancing work, family, and other responsibilities can be challenging, but volunteering can strengthen our sense of purpose by allowing us to contribute to causes we are passionate about. Personally, I am very connected to the work of credit unions and organizations that help children, young adults, and families. As a result, I am currently serving on several Boards including the New York Credit Union Association, the Mary Cariola Center, and the Geneseo Foundation. All three are closely aligned with my values.

The New York Credit Union Association serves and supports credit unions throughout the state of New York. The Board provides strategic guidance and ensures that we are always looking for ways to better serve member credit unions and the industry as a whole. It’s a privilege to serve on this Board alongside so many talented and dedicated credit union CEOs.

Credit unions such as The Summit are also governed by a Board of Directors and supported by several committees. Our Board and committee members are unpaid volunteers who serve our organization. The credit union was built on cooperation and collaboration and the work that they do provides an immeasurable benefit to our member/owners.They provide oversight and guidance to our mission, including our purpose and reach in the community. They represent the regions that we serve – from Buffalo to Syracuse to Seneca Falls and Cortland – and bring a diverse array of professional and community expertise. They diligently advocate for our members and are true credit union ambassadors. They enact the strategies, policies, and controls we need to operate our credit union successfully.

Our board is currently led by Chris Modesti (DeJoy & Co. LLP). Chris’ areas of expertise lay in corporate finance, operations, accounting, strategic planning, and risk management among others. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2013. In his current role as Board Chair, Chris plays a pivotal role in the success of the credit union. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate Chris and the support he gives to me as President & CEO.

Board members, along with additional volunteers, form six committees supporting all areas of the credit union. Here are a few examples:

All federally insured credit unions are required to name a Supervisory Committee to oversee controls and ensure that proper audits are performed. The Supervisory Committee is our liaison to both internal audit staff and our auditors. Each year, this committee develops a strategically focused internal audit plan for our internal audit staff.

The Board Governance Committee’s primary role is to support and make recommendations to the Executive Committee and ultimately the Board of Directors with respect to the composition of the board and committees; board member orientation, education, and development; and volunteer renewal and recruitment.

Our Nominating Committee is tasked with identifying potential candidates for volunteer positions. They solicit referrals from current volunteers and reach out to local community leaders and member companies to find candidates who are engaged and who will bring a fresh perspectives and experience to our board and committees. They take part in the interview process in compliance with NCUA guidelines and The Summit’s Bylaws.

If you do have the opportunity to join a board or a committee for an organization that shares your values, why not give it a try? Sharing your talents and expertise is a great way to give back to your community and the personal rewards can be transformative.