I am seeking a person to help research, interview and write a story about a remarkable CEO and his leadership of a credit union. We know the end. Approximately 18 months after he retired, the board member who followed as CEO merged the credit union.
The events occurred almost 10 years ago. The credit union was over $100 million and had a powerful economic impact on the community and residents of Carlisle, PA. This small town, like many others, was going through an economic transition, or downturn, depending on your point of view. One example is the Washington Redskins summer training camp, which was one of the businesses to move or close during the CEO’s long tenure.
Loans and Jobs for Bosnian Immigrants
The credit union had developed a remarkable record of consumer and small business funding for numerous community groups. Some time ago, the CEO sent a brief example of one of these unique local programs possible with cooperative design:
Many displaced families from the Bosnian conflict had resettled in the Carlisle area and hundreds of individuals worked for one of our SEG groups, a warehouse/distribution center. Most came with basic needs such as autos, home furnishings, etc. and most, understandably, without credit scores.
To foster assimilation into the community, Cornerstone did scores of loans at the time to these individuals and to their credit and my recollection, none were charge offs. Over the years Cornerstone has done hundreds of loans to these individuals including first mortgages and small business loans as well as financing a mosque and three separate community centers.
In addition, Cornerstone has had at least five individuals on staff in front line and back office positions who also provided translation services. At least three of those hired received their U.S. citizenship while on staff.
Serving the Entire Community
The credit union had a number of other remarkable services and lending initiatives serving the community. For example, all of its dozen or so ATM’s were surcharge free for everyone, not just members. In a high school student branch, a program was developed to help every senior receive a credit score by graduation through a unique share secured loan program.
During my first visit I talked with the owner of three local radio stations, each with programming intended for a different listening audience. The credit union had funded each license acquisition. The current CEO’s father had first borrowed and later turned the business over to his son. The CEO recalled that the father had a tattoo on his arm. The number was his ID from the Auschwitz concentration camp.
A Story that Needs Be Told
The credit union was merged ten years ago. The CEO and his wife and long time supporters fought to continue this institution as an independent community resource in an effort that will inspire today. For it illustrates how goodwill, passion and belief in a better tomorrow are possible with leaders who serve with grace and humility.
I am looking for a writer willing to review the collected record of the events, interview this former CEO and several other participants to tell the story tor today’s credit union followers.
I believe the research and writing will be a multi-week project, either part of full time. Pay is negotiable.
If interested please send me a brief resume, why you might want to tell this story, and how to contact you to discuss your approach. It would be helpful to have some familiarity with financial services and/or knowledge of credit unions, interview experience, and the ability to create a portrait of a modest person who did some great things for people as a credit union leader.
Thank you for your interest.