VALUES AMID A FAST TIDE OF INNOVATION

Credit Union of America’s David Germann and Jon Douglas discuss the importance of upholding values while keeping pace with technology innovation in finance

If you would have told Jon Douglas, Chief Information Officer at Credit Union of America, that his career would have taken him into finance after a 20-year stint in the US Air Force, he wouldn’t have believed you. But, after a career spent supporting IT and cybersecurity “from every level starting at the help desk all the way up to global communications and security,” Douglas knew his time in the military had to end at one point or another.

Initially moving into education in the state of Kansas – also the home of Credit Union of America – Douglas joined Chief Lending Officer David Germann and has “loved every minute” of his 16-month tenure, in which he manages data, business and technical analysis.

Germann has a more orthodox route into finance, cultivating an extensive career in finance and recently entering his 36th year in the industry. Working at a company for 25 years after leaving college, Germann admits his story “is probably something similar to what you hear a lot of in the news,” being “very successful one Monday after having a record month” before being told “at 4pm on Tuesday that the company had been sold, and I lost my job.”

Although a little down on his luck at first, reminiscing how “25 years all of a sudden meant nothing,” it was here Germann learned some valuable lessons. Moving into corporate banking, he soon knew working

Celebrating success, the CUA team applauds the accomplishments of students at the PANDO awards ceremony in a “regimented way” was not for him, and after investigating credit unions, saw “the planets align” in a field of his interest – credit unions – with an opening at Credit Union of America. He says he “couldn’t apply fast enough.”

Knowing the role is right

Chief Lending Officer of Credit Union of America for over eight years now, Germann has certainly found a role fit for him. As he puts it, the real joy of the role is being “empowered to make a difference.”

While admitting this may sound like “a tagline, it’s not marketing. I am able to empower our branch managers, staff, employees and myself.” This comes with responsibility too, being both the “arsonist and firefighter,” because if the credit union puts out bad loans, they’ve got to be sorted out.

Despite the responsibility, it’s empowerment and trust that Germann takes pride in. “Whatever we feel is in your best interest that would help you, we’re empowered to do that. And in our business, that’s very rare. Most people are not empowered to truly make a difference. That’s what I love the best and what I can’t wait to do every day. But the thing that wakes me up in the morning is that I can’t wait to go and see my coworkers.”

David Germann

TITLE: CHIEF LENDING OFFICER

INDUSTRY: BANKING

LOCATION: UNITED STATES

David Germann is a highly accomplished banking professional with over 36 years of experience in the financial industry. As the Chief Lending Officer, he brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record in leading lending strategies for major financial institutions.

Throughout his career, David has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in managing all aspects of lending operations, including credit risk assessment, loan portfolio management, and regulatory compliance. His comprehensive understanding of market trends and economic factors enables him to make informed decisions that drive sustainable growth and mitigate risks.