Defining Northern Credit Union as a “people first” organization, CEO Dan St. Hilaire said he places a “high value on the well-being, professional development and overall fulfillment” of the CU’s 105 employees, which he calls: internal owners.
“Our internal owners exude and practice the virtues of being humble, hungry and people-smart,” he said.
Northern Credit Union ranked No. 5 overall on the Best Credit Unions to Work For 2018 and No. 1 for credit unions with assets ranging from $200 million to $500 million.
With a focus on fitness, employees can use the CU-sponsored fitness center, which comes complete with a basketball court, saunas, cardio machines and weight training equipment. Gym membership is also reimbursed.
“Upon opening of our fitness center, for three months we donated $2 to local charities for each internal owner, each visit, who utilized the fitness center,” said St. Hilaire. “In total, we raised over $1,500.”
Promoting communication via an open door policy, St. Hilaire encourages employees from all levels of the credit union to present ideas for improvement or projects to their teams, leaders and senior management.
“I participate in all interviews with prospective new hire candidates, devote substantial time to multiple ‘culture sessions’ with each new hire class and frequently reach out for feedback and engage in conversation with internal owners,” he said.
Northern CU “teams” regularly take part in daily “huddles” to discuss opportunities for improvement and future direction, added St. Hilaire.
“Leaders engage in regular one-on-one sessions, which are geared toward fostering communication between internal owners and leaders,” he said. “Our key leadership team frequently invites representatives of teams to present proposed initiatives, business plans and important updates.”
Founded in 1955, Northern Credit Union supports seven branches and more than 30,000 members with over $250 million in assets.
