BOD insights
What do you know about HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union and why are you interested in serving as a Board of Director?
The candidate’s answer will help us understand how much the know about our credit union and if they even bothered to do their research which will show commitment. The second part of the question will gauge their intentions of why they want to run (e.g. do they want to make a difference or do they just want us to have higher deposit rates). Part 2 is also an existing question.
Started November 6, 1936 as Oahu Teachers No. 3 Federal Credit Union.
138 members and assets of $4,499
Membership: Honolulu District elementary school teachers
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions, owned by their members.
Cooperative
Members pool their money for the credit union to lend to other members. Profits earned are returned to members in the form of lower fees, higher dividends, and/or other benefits. Hence, the credit union motto, “People helping people.”
1971 Oahu Educational Employees Federal Credit Union.
February 23, 2000- HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union.
Asset size $1.99 billion, and 131,000 members
15 branch locations
Expanded membership over 8600 Select Employee Groups (SEGs).
Department of Education 31,000 members
Vision Statement:
HawaiiUSA will be recognized as the "Life matters" organization that makes financial dreams come true.
Mission Statement:
HawaiiUSA improves our members' lives through our "Life matters" commitment.
Vision and Excellence
I would like to serve as a Board of Director to represent our members and promote the "Life Matters" concept, and be a visionary to strategically plan for the future.
I possess skills and competence to create a solid vision
Strategic Objectives:
Members:
Engagement and Advocacy
Financial Wellness
Workforce:
Raise Capital
Engagement and Advocacy
Credit Union:
Financial Stability
Operational Excellence
Grow Intellectual Capital
Core Values:
Honor:
Value the individual. Treat each person with dignity. Strengthen relationships
Integrity:
We are trusted
We are respectful and honest
Decisions based on what’s best for the members, the organization
Innovation / Continuous Improvement Embrace change, creativity, and innovation to respond to opportunities.
Unity:
Organization’s vision and culture of helping
Goal is achieved through support
Collaborate
Share one vision. Earn the trust of others through honesty, fairness, and professional conduct.
Service:
Create a positive impression/outcome
Build strong member confidence and satisfaction
Value in interacting with us
Build lifelong relationships through caring genuine hospitality, and superior service.
Provide members extraordinary value.
Achievement:
We are resilient; we overcome obstacles, changes, and challenges
Strive to be the best.
Public and Community Service - People Network
Dear Kelvin Chun: On behalf of HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, we congratulate you for being honored as USA Today's Outstanding Teacher. As the State of Hawaii's largest educational credit union, we share in your dedication and commitment to educate our youth. Though your efforts and others in the community, we can help build our children to become the future leaders of our state. Once again, congratulations on this fine honor and we wish you continued success in the future. Sincerely, Ron Oğata President & CEO
Represent members
Provide products, services and benefits for all members
Role Model
Financial, Governance, Technology, Risk Assessment Literacy
Fiduciary, each director must set aside his or her own needs for the needs of the credit union membership and manage the credit union for the benefit of the members.
Life long learning
Pay Forward
Educator, Business Administration, Telecommunications, Educational Technology, Mathematics, Credit Union Certification - CUNA VAP, NAFCU
Take responsibilities of my work seriously.
Naturally decisive and inspirational leader
I believe the role of Director for HIUSA is one I will excel in.
Paradigm Shift - Fintech, AI, Digital technology, Information Governance
Ability to get the most out of everyone
the desire to create long-term relationships with stakeholders and important clients,
Perform to a high standard to ensure HIUSA grows, thrives and meets financial targets/benchmarks
I am a passionate and results-driven person responsible for achieving success
three core elements to succeed:
1. Clear vision, action, timeframe.
2. Decision-maker benefiting members and the organization.
3. Inspirational leader who motivates everyone towards the company objectives.
My work is very important to me, and having researched and volunteered since 2001 and being a member of 3 credit unions since 1961, I feel the skills, qualities and competencies I possess are a perfect match for the position.
2. How would you promote collaboration on the board?
On any board, collaboration is key. I’m sure the current board members will agree as well. Also, this is an existing question that is reworded.
Board collaboration and setting clear expectations
Support directors with collaborative technology
Directors duties and clear action items for successful board collaboration
Embrace the process of board evaluation
Share the company's mission
Define and communicate your team's goals.
Highlight individuals' strengths.
Promote a community working environment.
Foster honest and open communication.
Encourage creativity.& Brainstorm
Share knowledge, insight, and resources.
Lead by example.
Off site teaming
Invest in collaboration tools.
Celebrate and reward successful teamwork.
3. What are your proudest accomplishments?
This will help us determine what type of person they are. If the accomplishment is about themselves or about collaboration or team, that will tell character.
Begin by making a list of your accomplishments. Put together two to three stories that you feel represent your best work as it relates to the position for which you're applying. ...
Review the job description. ...
Follow the STAR (Situation, Task, Approach and Result) approach.
Vision and Excellence
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes time. Vision with action can change the world.
Target and Benchmark
Pay Forward to students and community
As a lifelong educator, I believed in "ikigai."
Everyone has an ikigai which is essentially waking up every day and enjoying life.
I have taught my students and community valuable life lessons and promoted this lifelong concept.
People helping people
These concepts were instilled by my parents, teachers, and mentors.
My parents believed in the credit union concept and started my account in 1961 (Hawaii State FCU), and 1979 (Pearl Harbor FCU). I joined HawaiiUSA FCU in 1991 as an educator.
I have volunteered as a Board of Director (since 2014) and on the following committees (since 2001): Scholarship, Technology, Golf, Annual Banquet, Strategic Planning, Personnel, Loan Policy and Review, Governance, and Asset-Liability.
My background in Business Administration, Secondary Mathematics, Educational Technology and professional development activities have advanced my understanding of issues affecting our credit union. I have kept abreast of the latest global, financial, and technological developments.
I have completed numerous certification programs from both National Association of Federal Credit Union and Credit Union National Association, Inc. From daily operations to board governance, my ability to understand and analyze issues is critical. The Board of Directors work in partnership to strive for excellence. I am committed to the credit union industry and appreciate the opportunity to serve its members by providing superior financial products and services.
4. What types of skills (personally and professionally) can you bring as a Board of Director?
This will tell us how they will contribute as a board member. It is also an existing question that is reworded.
What skills do board members need?
Integrity
competence
insight
dedication
Passion
Dedicated and Committed. ...
Able to lead and influence others. ...
Straightforward and impartial. ...
Knowledgeable and an insatiable learner. ...
Values discretion and confidentiality.
Skills and Competencies
Understands Member Needs
Understands the credit union's mission, vision, and core values - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence -
Demonstrates commitment to our brand "life matters"
Independent Minded Remains objective - Voices opinion, asks questions, takes unpopular stand if necessary-
Takes personal responsibility
Financial Literacy
Working familiarity with basic finance and accounting practices, including the ability to read and understand the credit union's balance sheet and income statement -
Willingness to participate in continuing education
Risk Management Experience
Ability to assess risk - Ability to measure and control risk -
Understanding of risks faced by credit unions and how risk can impact ability to meet goals and objectives
Governance Expertise
Understanding of governance practices –
Understanding of credit union structure and composition –
Understanding of laws/rules and regulations pertaining to credit unions
Strong Network
Relates well to all kinds of people, inside and outside of organization - Builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact
Financial services industry, the governance of credit unions must be modernized to reflect relevant business practices and build organizational value for members.
Strategic representation is positioning the credit union to serve a diverse and changing field of membership.
Expectations
a. Integrity and Ethics
i. Accountable for his or her behavior and actions
ii. Self-reliant capacity for accomplishment
iii. Refrain from any activities that would be perceived as a conflict of interest for personal gain
b. Independent-Minded
i. Remains objective - Voices opinion, asks questions, takes unpopular stand if necessary
ii. Takes personal responsibility
ii. Willing to act independently and objectively
c. Action-Oriented
1. Regular Attendance
ii Able to commit an average of five to ten hours of volunteer service per month to the Credit Union
iii. Participate in continuing education
d. Be prepared for all Board and Committee Meetings
e. Basic understanding of Financial Statements
Competencies
a. Member Advocacy
i. Represents the Members' needs
ii. Makes decisions in the best interest of the Membership
ii. Focuses on the Value to the Membership
b. Organizational Commitment
i. Understands Credit Union's Mission, Vision, and Values
ii. Demonstrates commitment to 'Life Matters' brand
ii. Acts in the best interest of the organization
iv. Strategic Ambassador for the Credit Union in the Community
v. Make decisions on behalf of the organization
vi. Organizational needs come first
C. Interpersonal Responsiveness
i. Advocate for the empowerment of all individuals
ii. Listens respectively and effectively
iii. Truth with harmony
iv. Resolves issues resolved in a timely manner
v. Networking skills
1. Relates well to all kinds of people
2. Builds constructive and effective relationships
3. Uses diplomacy and tact
d. Governance Expertise
i. Understanding of governance practices
ii. Understands the Credit Union structure and composition
iii. Understands and ensures compliance with the laws and regulations related to Credit Unions
Visionary Leadership
i. Understands the Credit Union Value Chain
ii. Able to identify gaps in current performance and desired future state
Iii. Make recommendations based upon a global perspective, industry trends, data analysis, and risk management practices
iv. Helps Credit Union develop a clear Strategic Plan.
v. Applies a systems perspective towards managing change and guiding the organization into the future
Technical Expertise
i. Having one or more of the following:
1. Financial Services Industry Experience
2. Executive Level Experience
3. Expert in Financial Statements and generally accepted accounting principles
4. Risk Management Experience
Knowledge:
Technology to regulation to business analytics.
Aware at a high level, and how they can affect the credit union while refraining from getting involved in the operations of the institution.
Boards should be looking on the horizon to the financial services landscape and simply guiding the credit union toward a destination that changes the lives of their members today and into the future.
High-performing boards shape the direction of the credit union through its mission, strategic plan, purpose statement and critical policies.
Reassess policies to benefit members and community
Seamless process for new account openings, digital, reducing paperwork, simplifying the legalese
Resources to support the vision.
Digital investment
Cybersecurity: Are those being properly supported as well? Every year should bring an increasing technology budget.
5. HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union’s brand is “Life matters”; tell us what this means to you and how you would live the brand as a Board of Director?
Previously, we asked about what our core values mean and this question is reworded to see if our brand resonates with them since all of us (Board, Staff and Volunteers) should be living our brand of Life matters.
As a lifelong educator, I believed in "ikigai." Everyone has an ikigai which is essentially waking up every day and enjoying life. I have taught my students valuable life lessons and promoted this lifelong concept. These concepts were instilled by my parents, teachers, and mentors.
Grandfather Model Father Postal Worker
Grandmother ran store
In fact, my parents believed in the credit union concept and started my account in 1961 (Hawaii State FCU), and 1979 (Pearl Harbor FCU). I joined HawaiiUSA FCU in 1991 as an educator.
elementary slippers / barefoot
Farm / plantation
Minimum wage - Dole Cannery
10 summers dedication
Single mom
Save money
Low income
Lunch token
Financial Planning
Vision
温故 (On-ko) is to ask old things. 知新(Chi-shin) is to know new things.
-->Literary means "By asking old things know new things".
Explaining
In order to get to know new things that you have not experienced you can learn from old things like the past. You can get wisdom from the history.
This is the Japanese proverb by Chinese thinker and social philosopher Confucius. He gave a big impact to Japanese thinkers.
温故知新(wenguzhixin). gain new insights through restudying old materials. 举一反三( juyifansan). draw inferences about other cases
6. What do you think are the characteristics of a great board member?
This will help us understand what is important to them and how they would contribute to the board
Dedicated and Committed. ...
Able to lead and influence others. ...
Straightforward and impartial. ...
Knowledgeable and an insatiable learner. ...
Values discretion and confidentiality.
Honor: Value the individual. Treat each person with dignity. Strengthen relationships with enthusiasm, energy and compassion.
Integrity:
We are trusted; we do what we said we would do
We are respectful and honest in every business and interpersonal dealings
We consider the impact on others; we make decisions based on what’s best for the members, the organization, and our teammates
Innovation / Continuous Improvement: Be flexible, seek new and better ideas. Embrace change, creativity, and innovation to respond to opportunities.
Unity:
We bring to life our organization’s vision and culture of helping one another
We support and work with others until the goal is achieved
We collaborate to resolve conflict and create win-win relationships
Share one vision. Earn the trust of others through honesty, fairness, and professional conduct.
Service:
We create a positive impression/outcome during each interaction
We build strong member confidence and satisfaction
Our members and employees find value in interacting with us
Build lifelong relationships through caring genuine hospitality, and superior service. Provide members extraordinary value.
Achievement:
We are true to our profession and continuously seek to renew our skills and knowledge level
We are responsible and strive for personal accountability for results
We are resilient; we overcome obstacles, changes, and challenges
Strive to be the best. Take personal responsibility and fulfill commitments promptly and in a timely manner.
The Board's oversight functions involve monitoring the credit union's business and affairs including financial performance, management performance, corporate and risk management policies and compliance with legal obligations and credit union policy.
7. How much time can you commit to being an effective Board member?
This is an existing question reworded and is designed to gauge their commitment
My experience depends on the committees assigned.
Preparation time for meeting: 3 hours
The BOD meeting can last up to 5 hours.
Committee meetings last about 3 hours.
Time varies 3- 5 hours / week
Up to 25 hours a month
The ultimate goal of credit union governance is to link the member-owners to the organization and establish accountability, and the following five elements of good governance can help boards operate in a way that delivers results:
Boards must have ground rules (policies)
Boards must establish parameters (boundaries) within which management can operate.
Boards must maintain accountability. The CEO must be accountable to the board, the board must be accountable to the member-owners, and the board members must be accountable to one another.
Boards must identify a clear set of performance targets.
Boards must actively monitor the performance of the credit union.
1. Fiduciary
In the fiduciary model, the board has stewardship over the tangible assets of the membership and ensures the credit union uses resources effectively and efficiently. The board tracks the credit union’s results against its strategic plan, which aims to minimize risk against a set of performance expectations. Leadership is hierarchical and asks, “Is anything wrong?” The board decides by reaching resolution on issues.
How it monitors performance:
The board primarily relies on institutional performance metrics to assess if management is on track. These include traditional measures such as return on assets, capital adequacy, delinquency, and efficiency. The board might set these measures relative to historical performance, it might target a new level of achievement, or it might compare its performance against peers (e.g. top 25% of ROA).
2. Strategic
In the strategic model, the board has a partnership with management that addresses how the organization should evolve. This type of leadership is visionary and asks, “What is the plan?” Board members make decisions by reaching consensus. They know they have arrived at an answer when all the pieces fit together.
3. Generative
The generative model is a lesser-known but critical source of organizational leadership. It poses the question, “What problems should we solve?” This reflective leadership plays a sense-making role that focuses on the credit union’s external environment. The board makes decisions by grappling and grasping with tough issues; members know they have the answer when it all makes sense.
What do you know about HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union and why are you interested in serving as a Board of Director?
The candidate’s answer will help us understand how much the know about our credit union and if they even bothered to do their research which will show commitment. The second part of the question will gauge their intentions of why they want to run (e.g. do they want to make a difference or do they just want us to have higher deposit rates). Part 2 is also an existing question.
8. Virus environment ... how prepared
9. Strategic Process
10. Conflict resolution
11. Technology knowledge
Started November 6, 1936 as Oahu Teachers No. 3 Federal Credit Union.
138 members and assets of $4,499
Membership: Honolulu District elementary school teachers-
Asset size $1.99 billion, and 131,000 members
14 branch locations
1971 Oahu Educational Employees Federal Credit Union.
Expanded membership over 8600 Select Employee Groups (SEGs).
Department of Education 31,000 members
On February 23, 2000- HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union.
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions, owned by their members.
Cooperative
Members pool their money for the credit union to lend to other members. Profits earned are returned to members in the form of lower fees, higher dividends, and/or other benefits. Hence, the credit union motto, “People helping people.”
Vision Statement:
HawaiiUSA will be recognized as the "Life matters" organization that makes financial dreams come true.
Mission Statement:
HawaiiUSA improves our members' lives through our "Life matters" commitment.
Vision and Excellence
I would like to serve as a Board of Director to represent our members and promote the "Life Matters" concept, and be a visionary to strategically plan for the future.
I possess skills and competence to create a solid vision
Strategic Objectives:
Members:
Engagement and Advocacy
Financial Wellness
Workforce:
Raise Capital
Engagement and Advocacy
Credit Union:
Financial Stability
Operational Excellence
Grow Intellectual Capital
Core Values:
Honor:
Value the individual. Treat each person with dignity. Strengthen relationships
Integrity:
We are trusted
We are respectful and honest
Decisions based on what’s best for the members, the organization
Innovation / Continuous Improvement Embrace change, creativity, and innovation to respond to opportunities.
Unity:
Organization’s vision and culture of helping
Goal is achieved through support
Collaborate
Share one vision. Earn the trust of others through honesty, fairness, and professional conduct.
Service:
Create a positive impression/outcome
Build strong member confidence and satisfaction
Value in interacting with us
Build lifelong relationships through caring genuine hospitality, and superior service.
Provide members extraordinary value.
Achievement:
We are resilient; we overcome obstacles, changes, and challenges
Strive to be the best.
Public and Community Service - People Network
Represent members
Provide products, services and benefits for all members
Role Model
Financial, Governance, Technology, Risk Assessment Literacy
Life long learning
Pay Forward
Educator, Business Administration, Telecommunications, Educational Technology, Mathematics, Credit Union Certification - CUNA VAP, NAFCU
Take responsibilities of my work seriously.
Naturally decisive and inspirational leader
I believe the role of Director for HIUSA is one I will excel in.
Paradigm Shift - Fintech, AI, Digital technology, Information Governance
Ability to get the most out of everyone
the desire to create long-term relationships with stakeholders and important clients,
Perform to a high standard to ensure HIUSA grows, thrives and meets financial targets/benchmarks
I am a passionate and results-driven person responsible for achieving success
three core elements to succeed:
1. Clear vision, action, timeframe.
2. Decision-maker benefiting members and the organization.
3. Inspirational leader who motivates everyone towards the company objectives.
My work is very important to me, and having researched and volunteered since 2001 and being a member of 3 credit unions since 1961, I feel the skills, qualities and competencies I possess are a perfect match for the position.
2. How would you promote collaboration on the board?
On any board, collaboration is key. I’m sure the current board members will agree as well. Also, this is an existing question that is reworded.
Board collaboration and setting clear expectations
Chair sets a clear expectation that the Board will function collaboratively and underlines the way that committees, structures and support systems are in place to support this approach
Support directors with collaborative technology
By using board management software to provide a secure messaging system, companies can encourage directors to communicate openly with one another and the CEO, while also being confident that messages will remain fully confidential and secure against accidental or deliberate interception.
Directors duties and clear action items for successful board collaboration
Embrace the process of board evaluation
Share the company's mission
Communicate your expectation for collaboration.
Define and communicate your team's goals.
Highlight individuals' strengths.
Promote a community working environment.
Foster honest and open communication.
Encourage creativity.& Brainstorm
Share knowledge, insight, and resources.
Lead by example.
Off site teaming
Invest in collaboration tools.
Celebrate and reward successful teamwork.
3. What are your proudest accomplishments?
This will help us determine what type of person they are. If the accomplishment is about themselves or about collaboration or team, that will tell character.
Begin by making a list of your accomplishments. Put together two to three stories that you feel represent your best work as it relates to the position for which you're applying. ...
Review the job description. ...
Follow the STAR (Situation, Task, Approach and Result) approach.
Vision and Excellence
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes time. Vision with action can change the world.
Target and Benchmark
Pay Forward to students and community
As a lifelong educator, I believed in "ikigai."
Everyone has an ikigai which is essentially waking up every day and enjoying life.
I have taught my students and community valuable life lessons and promoted this lifelong concept.
People helping people
These concepts were instilled by my parents, teachers, and mentors.
My parents believed in the credit union concept and started my account in 1961 (Hawaii State FCU), and 1979 (Pearl Harbor FCU). I joined HawaiiUSA FCU in 1991 as an educator.
I have volunteered as a Board of Director (since 2014) and on the following committees (since 2001): Scholarship, Technology, Golf, Annual Banquet, Strategic Planning, Personnel, Loan Policy and Review, Governance, and Asset-Liability.
My background in Business Administration, Secondary Mathematics, Educational Technology and professional development activities have advanced my understanding of issues affecting our credit union. I have kept abreast of the latest global, financial, and technological developments.
I have completed numerous certification programs from both National Association of Federal Credit Union and Credit Union National Association, Inc. From daily operations to board governance, my ability to understand and analyze issues is critical. The Board of Directors work in partnership to strive for excellence. I am committed to the credit union industry and appreciate the opportunity to serve its members by providing superior financial products and services.
4. What types of skills (personally and professionally) can you bring as a Board of Director?
This will tell us how they will contribute as a board member. It is also an existing question that is reworded.
What skills do board members need?
Integrity
competence
insight
dedication
Passion
Dedicated and Committed. ...
Able to lead and influence others. ...
Straightforward and impartial. ...
Knowledgeable and an insatiable learner. ...
Values discretion and confidentiality.
Skills and Competencies
Understands Member Needs
Understands the credit union's mission, vision, and core values - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence -
Demonstrates commitment to our brand "life matters"
Independent Minded Remains objective - Voices opinion, asks questions, takes unpopular stand if necessary-
Takes personal responsibility
Financial Literacy
Working familiarity with basic finance and accounting practices, including the ability to read and understand the credit union's balance sheet and income statement -
Willingness to participate in continuing education
Risk Management Experience
Ability to assess risk - Ability to measure and control risk -
Understanding of risks faced by credit unions and how risk can impact ability to meet goals and objectives
Governance Expertise
Understanding of governance practices –
Understanding of credit union structure and composition –
Understanding of laws/rules and regulations pertaining to credit unions
Strong Network
Relates well to all kinds of people, inside and outside of organization - Builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact
Financial services industry, the governance of credit unions must be modernized to reflect relevant business practices and build organizational value for members.
Strategic representation is positioning the credit union to serve a diverse and changing field of membership.
Expectations
a. Integrity and Ethics
i. Accountable for his or her behavior and actions
ii. Self-reliant capacity for accomplishment
iii. Refrain from any activities that would be perceived as a conflict of interest for personal gain
b. Independent-Minded
i. Remains objective - Voices opinion, asks questions, takes unpopular stand if necessary
ii. Takes personal responsibility
ii. Willing to act independently and objectively
c. Action-Oriented
1. Regular Attendance
ii Able to commit an average of five to ten hours of volunteer service per month to the Credit Union
iii. Participate in continuing education
d. Be prepared for all Board and Committee Meetings
e. Basic understanding of Financial Statements
Competencies
a. Member Advocacy
i. Represents the Members' needs
ii. Makes decisions in the best interest of the Membership
ii. Focuses on the Value to the Membership
b. Organizational Commitment
i. Understands Credit Union's Mission, Vision, and Values
ii. Demonstrates commitment to 'Life Matters' brand
ii. Acts in the best interest of the organization
iv. Strategic Ambassador for the Credit Union in the Community
v. Make decisions on behalf of the organization
vi. Organizational needs come first
C. Interpersonal Responsiveness
i. Advocate for the empowerment of all individuals
ii. Listens respectively and effectively
iii. Truth with harmony
iv. Resolves issues resolved in a timely manner
v. Networking skills
1. Relates well to all kinds of people
2. Builds constructive and effective relationships
3. Uses diplomacy and tact
d. Governance Expertise
i. Understanding of governance practices
ii. Understands the Credit Union structure and composition
iii. Understands and ensures compliance with the laws and regulations related to Credit Unions
Visionary Leadership
i. Understands the Credit Union Value Chain
ii. Able to identify gaps in current performance and desired future state
Iii. Make recommendations based upon a global perspective, industry trends, data analysis, and risk management practices
iv. Helps Credit Union develop a clear Strategic Plan.
v. Applies a systems perspective towards managing change and guiding the organization into the future
Technical Expertise
i. Having one or more of the following:
1. Financial Services Industry Experience
2. Executive Level Experience
3. Expert in Financial Statements and generally accepted accounting principles
4. Risk Management Experience
Knowledge:
Technology to regulation to business analytics.
Aware at a high level, and how they can affect the credit union while refraining from getting involved in the operations of the institution.
Boards should be looking on the horizon to the financial services landscape and simply guiding the credit union toward a destination that changes the lives of their members today and into the future.
High-performing boards shape the direction of the credit union through its mission, strategic plan, purpose statement and critical policies.
Reassess policies to benefit members and community
Seamless process for new account openings, digital, reducing paperwork, simplifying the legalese
Resources to support the vision.
Digital investment
Cybersecurity: Are those being properly supported as well? Every year should bring an increasing technology budget.
5. HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union’s brand is “Life matters”; tell us what this means to you and how you would live the brand as a Board of Director?
Previously, we asked about what our core values mean and this question is reworded to see if our brand resonates with them since all of us (Board, Staff and Volunteers) should be living our brand of Life matters.
As a lifelong educator, I believed in "ikigai." Everyone has an ikigai which is essentially waking up every day and enjoying life. I have taught my students valuable life lessons and promoted this lifelong concept. These concepts were instilled by my parents, teachers, and mentors.
Grandfather Model Father Postal Worker
Grandmother ran store
In fact, my parents believed in the credit union concept and started my account in 1961 (Hawaii State FCU), and 1979 (Pearl Harbor FCU). I joined HawaiiUSA FCU in 1991 as an educator.
elementary slippers / barefoot
Farm / plantation
Minimum wage - Dole Cannery
10 summers dedication
Single mom
Save money
Low income
Lunch token
Financial Planning
Vision
温故 (On-ko) is to ask old things. 知新(Chi-shin) is to know new things.
-->Literary means "By asking old things know new things".
Explaining
In order to get to know new things that you have not experienced you can learn from old things like the past. You can get wisdom from the history.
This is the Japanese proverb by Chinese thinker and social philosopher Confucius. He gave a big impact to Japanese thinkers.
温故知新(wenguzhixin). gain new insights through restudying old materials. 举一反三( juyifansan). draw inferences about other cases
6. What do you think are the characteristics of a great board member?
This will help us understand what is important to them and how they would contribute to the board
Dedicated and Committed. ...
Able to lead and influence others. ...
Straightforward and impartial. ...
Knowledgeable and an insatiable learner. ...
Values discretion and confidentiality.
Honor: Value the individual. Treat each person with dignity. Strengthen relationships with enthusiasm, energy and compassion.
Integrity:
We are trusted; we do what we said we would do
We are respectful and honest in every business and interpersonal dealings
We consider the impact on others; we make decisions based on what’s best for the members, the organization, and our teammates
Innovation / Continuous Improvement: Be flexible, seek new and better ideas. Embrace change, creativity, and innovation to respond to opportunities.
Unity:
We bring to life our organization’s vision and culture of helping one another
We support and work with others until the goal is achieved
We collaborate to resolve conflict and create win-win relationships
Share one vision. Earn the trust of others through honesty, fairness, and professional conduct.
Service:
We create a positive impression/outcome during each interaction
We build strong member confidence and satisfaction
Our members and employees find value in interacting with us
Build lifelong relationships through caring genuine hospitality, and superior service. Provide members extraordinary value.
Achievement:
We are true to our profession and continuously seek to renew our skills and knowledge level
We are responsible and strive for personal accountability for results
We are resilient; we overcome obstacles, changes, and challenges
Strive to be the best. Take personal responsibility and fulfill commitments promptly and in a timely manner.
The Board's oversight functions involve monitoring the credit union's business and affairs including financial performance, management performance, corporate and risk management policies and compliance with legal obligations and credit union policy.
7. How much time can you commit to being an effective Board member?
This is an existing question reworded and is designed to gauge their commitment
My experience depends on the committees assigned.
Preparation time for meeting: 3 hours
The BOD meeting can last up to 5 hours.
Committee meetings last about 3 hours.
Time varies 3- 5 hours / week
Up to 25 hours a month
The ultimate goal of credit union governance is to link the member-owners to the organization and establish accountability, and the following five elements of good governance can help boards operate in a way that delivers results:
Boards must have ground rules (policies)
Boards must establish parameters (boundaries) within which management can operate.
Boards must maintain accountability. The CEO must be accountable to the board, the board must be accountable to the member-owners, and the board members must be accountable to one another.
Boards must identify a clear set of performance targets.
Boards must actively monitor the performance of the credit union.
1. Fiduciary
In the fiduciary model, the board has stewardship over the tangible assets of the membership and ensures the credit union uses resources effectively and efficiently. The board tracks the credit union’s results against its strategic plan, which aims to minimize risk against a set of performance expectations. Leadership is hierarchical and asks, “Is anything wrong?” The board decides by reaching resolution on issues.
How it monitors performance:
The board primarily relies oninstitutional performance metricsto assess if management is on track. These include traditional measures such as return on assets, capital adequacy, delinquency, and efficiency. The board might set these measures relative to historical performance, it might target a new level of achievement, or it might compare its performance against peers (e.g. top 25% of ROA).
2. Strategic
In the strategic model, the board has a partnership with management that addresses how the organization should evolve. This type of leadership is visionary and asks, “What is the plan?” Board members make decisions by reaching consensus. They know they have arrived at an answer when all the pieces fit together.
3. Generative
The generative model is a lesser-known but critical source of organizational leadership. It poses the question, “What problems should we solve?” This reflective leadership plays a sense-making role that focuses on the credit union’s external environment. The board makes decisions by grappling and grasping with tough issues; members know they have the answer when it all makes sense.
Experience
Board Director 7 years (Vice Chair-One year; service on every Board regular/special committees); HSFCU member 60 years.
Education Moanalua High School;
University of Hawaii at Manoa, BBA Bus Economics;
MEd Education Technology; PD Secondary Math: Graduate Certificate Telecommunications; AS Accounting & Computer Science
31 years Hawaii State Department of Education
Secondary mathematics, Multimedia resource teacher, Librarian, District resource teacher, State Computer Specialist; 10 Summers Dole Cannery Palletizer
I have Credit Union experience, insight, and knowledge; and a record of accomplishments (new products and services; revised strategic plan; financial wellness program; record asset, loan and member growth; increased scholarships; member and workforce engagement and advocacy and financial technology). CUNA Credit Union Expert Certification and Volunteer Achievement Program Certified. These experiences provide unique qualifications that can benefit member-owners.
Primary Focus if Elected
It will be my fiduciary duty to monitor the credit union's business and affairs including financial performance, management performance, corporate and risk management policies and compliance with legal obligations and credit union policy.
I will provide an independent voice and collaborate with the other Board members and CEO to strategically accomplish the actions to reach the vision.
Personal Statement
As a lifelong educator, I believed in "ikigai."
Everyone has an ikigai which is essentially waking up every day and enjoying life.
I have taught my students and community valuable life lessons and promoted this lifelong concept.
People helping people
Hawaii State FCU remains committed to providing value to members through financial products with affordable interest rates and low fees. ... It is the credit union's vision to build relationships that empower a lifetime of personal and financial well-being.
Vision and Mission
To do what is right each and every time.
To build relationships that empower a lifetime a personal and financial well- being.