Board Member Spotlight: Carma Parrish

Carma Parrish serves as a Director on the Foundation Board and serves as SVP of Financial Inclusion of Centra Credit Union in Columbus, IN.

Learn more about Carma and her passion for the Foundation and credit unions below:

What piqued your interest in joining the Foundation Board?

I’m incredibly passionate about financial education because it’s a powerful force for change, profoundly impacting individuals’ lives while also serving as a key differentiator for credit union business development. This unique synergy of doing good and doing well perfectly aligns with the Foundation’s core purpose.

What are you most proud of during your time on the Foundation Board?

We’re embarking on a significant organizational refresh at the Foundation, evaluating our purpose, programs, and communication. I’m honored to be part of this vital work in shaping our future and look forward to the exciting developments to come.

What is the Foundation’s most important role within the credit union system?

Through the DE program, we’re committed to consistently teaching the credit union difference. It’s easy for our industry’s push for growth to overshadow our grassroots heritage, yet this very heritage is a potent catalyst for growth. Highlighting our incredible legacy of leaders through the DE program inspires students to become impactful change leaders.

Why do you think it’s important for the credit union system to support the Foundation and its work?

The Foundation is an indispensable pillar of the credit union system, serving as our North Star by steadfastly upholding the ‘people helping people’ philosophy that defines us. Through the vital DE program, it educates and inspires a new generation of leaders to embody these principles. Its financial wellness grants empower credit unions to directly improve members’ lives, addressing critical needs and fostering economic well-being. And in times of crisis, the Foundation’s disaster relief efforts ensure our movement remains resilient, swiftly getting credit union staff and members back on their feet. Supporting the Foundation isn’t about charity; it’s about investing in the very soul and future of the credit union difference.

What inspires you to continue your work within the credit union system?

My roles in the system have changed over my 25-year career but my personal mission has remained constant. I aspire to meet people where they are and help them get where they want to go.

What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last 6-12 months?

Work-life balance. I have so many more moments of pure joy in the life I’ve been blessed with, and my family comes first.

What is your favorite hobby?

I have a green house and an acre vegetable and cut-flower garden, growing over 5,000 plants annually from seed. Nurturing the seedlings, to arranging flowers, to cooking and canning with my produce– it all inspires me both personally and professionally. I’m always learning and improving.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I own over 100 pairs of shoes but I’m barefoot whenever possible, either in the garden or on my paddle board.