Christine Cordell Continues National Credit Union Foundation & Filene’s Think Tank Appointments

Blaze Credit Union Senior Vice President and Chief Project/Learning Officer Christine Cordell was recently appointed as Secretary for the National Credit Union Foundation.  In addition, Cordell was selected to again serve on the influential 2024 Filene Research Institute’s Think Tank.

“It is a privilege to be part of the NCUF’s Board of Directors and Filene’s Think Tank. I’m excited to continue my role with these well-respected and innovative groups,” said Cordell. “The credit union industry models the cooperative principles, which include cooperation and concern for the community. These two organizations bring together leaders within our system focused on enhancing our ability to serve the communities we operate within. These groups strive to challenge the status quo and ensure credit unions are well positioned to continue to thrive while providing relevant solutions that exceed our members’ expectations. Working alongside engaged credit union leaders in these circles from across the country is extremely thought provoking and rewarding.”

The National Credit Union Foundation is the charitable arm of U.S. credit union movement and designed to ignite understanding and focus on member financial well-being, inspire, and create opportunities for credit unions to leverage their cooperative values and respond quickly when disaster strikes. The Board of Directors guides the strategic direction of the Foundation in order to meet the needs and better serve the credit union movement. Since 2005, the Foundation has granted over $36 million to the movement to improve peoples’ financial well-being.

Filene Research Institute strengthens organizations through innovative research and incubation, on a mission to improve consumer financial well-being. With cutting-edge insights, innovative solution testing, advisory and custom support, and connections formed through events and communities, Filene helps credit unions think forward and change lives.

Earlier this year, Filene introduced the 35 credit unions and credit union system organizations serving as the voice of the market to grow and strengthen credit unions’ capacity to improve consumers’ financial lives.

The initial meeting of the 2024 Filene Think Tank was held in late January. The group discussed what it takes to transform an industry, and aligned on the impact and priority of challenges the industry must address such as credit unions’ long-term value proposition, legacy tech debt, member growth, and operational efficiency.

Cordell, who has been a part of credit unions for over 30 years, has been involved in almost every aspect of what makes credit unions unique and has been an integral part of two founding boards of credit union foundations and started three departments.  In addition to her work inside her credit union, Cordell has served on various community-focused boards and strives to emanate positive change throughout her community.  Cordell also serves as ambassador of The Minnesota Credit Union Women’s Leadership Network, and a sister society leader of the World Council of Credit Unions’ Global Women’s Leadership Network.