Board Member Spotlight: Christine Cordell
Christine Cordell serves as the Secretary of the Foundation Board and serves as SVP/Chief Project & Learning Officer of Blaze Credit Union in St. Paul, Minnesota.
What piqued your interest in joining the Foundation Board?
The National Credit Union Foundation’s involvement and impact on our industry has been truly inspiring. Its mission—to serve as a catalyst for improving financial lives through credit unions—is a cause that deeply resonates with me. Giving back has always been a top priority for me, both personally and professionally and I was excited at the opportunity to play an active role in advancing such impactful work.
I admire the Foundation’s leadership and vision, as well as the collaborative culture it fosters. Serving on the board provides an incredible opportunity to connect with other like-minded national leaders, exchange ideas, gain new perspectives, develop new skills, and contribute to strengthening the credit union movement.
The Foundation’s focus on improving our members’ financial well-being aligns with the core of what we do as credit unions. Volunteering with such a mission-driven organization is not only deeply rewarding, but also a chance to inspire others to make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.
What are you most proud of during your time on the Foundation Board?
It has been an incredible honor to watch the Foundation and the team flourish over the last several years. We have a wonderful team, led by Gigi–a dynamic leader whose heartfelt approach and numerous accomplishments have set a strong footing for the future.
Earlier this year, Gigi announced her retirement, and we began the important work of searching for the next Executive Director. A Search Committee undertook a thorough and thoughtful process, and we found an outstanding successor.
In December, we are excited to welcome Lauren Culp as our new Executive Director. Lauren brings years of extensive experience, a deep passion for our industry and a steadfast commitment to those we serve. Her innovative mindset will ensure the Foundation continues to align as a strategic partner and not just meeting but exceeding our members’ needs. I am immensely proud of that we have achieved together and deeply optimistic about the future for the Foundation.
What is the Foundation’s most important role within the credit union system?
The Foundation is the heart of our credit union ecosystem providing essential tools and resources that empower credit unions to enhance their financial well-being initiatives. By offering education, guidance, and financial support through grants, the Foundation ensures budget constraints do not hinder access to resources that support the communities we serve.
The Foundation’s mission is to empower credit union professionals, equipping them to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their members and communities. Through this work, we inspire and enable lasting, positive change across the credit union system.
Why do you think it’s important for the credit union system to support the Foundation and its work?
The Foundation’s work is designed specifically to help credit unions in making a meaningful impact within the communities we serve. The foundation motivates their workforce by reminding them “why” they work for a credit union and keep them engaged. Through programs like Exploring Why and Development Educator Training, the Foundation provides valuable education that reconnects credit union employees with the core mission of “people helping people,” fostering engagement and a deeper sense of purpose.
Retaining top talent is vital to the long-term sustainability of credit unions. Credit union employees dedicated to the “people helping people” mission not only enhance our members experience, but also boost the credit union’s innovation and competitive edge, while securing long-term growth and success as a vital financial cooperative. The Foundation’s educational programs play a key role in this by reminding employees why they work for a credit union and reinforcing their commitment to our shared purpose.
What inspires you to continue your work within the credit union system?
Credit unions are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between financial service providers and the communities we serve. As financial cooperatives, the credit union model prioritizes people over profit, fosters community and empowers members through financial inclusivity and education. This distinction sets credit unions apart as an alternative to traditional banking. Even before it became a widely sought-after quality, credit unions provided mission-centric jobs grounded in social responsibility, community focus, and member ownership. These core beliefs reflect a better way to conduct financial services, prioritizing those who need it most.
Working within the credit union ecosystem is rewarding and fulfilling for those who value community, collaboration, teamwork and a mission-driven industry. Making a difference in people’s lives fosters a strong sense of community and belonging and aligns perfectly with my personal beliefs. For me, being a part of a movement that values people over profit, fosters meaningful relationships, and creates lasting impact, is more than just a job – it is a purpose-driven career.
What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last 6-12 months?
Over the last 12 months, it has been my honor to be a part of a credit union merger. While we all know that change is the only constant, living through it firsthand at the pace our organization has undergone over the last 12 months has been eye-opening and transformative.
Through this journey, my biggest takeaway has been the critical importance of adaptability in fostering meaningful engagement and innovative solutions. This adaptability applies to how people, organizations, and even technologies must remain flexible and responsive to changing circumstances, member expectations, and innovations.
Specifically, I’ve observed how rapidly evolving trends like AI, and digital transformation are reshaping the way businesses and individuals interact. Embracing change and seeking to understand diverse perspectives have been crucial in maintaining relevance and achieving success.
What is your favorite hobby?
Without a doubt, my favorite “hobby” is spending time with my family! We have a 15-yr old and a 9 yr old who both enjoy sports. Hence, we are a very active family. Any night of the week and on weekends (depending upon the season), you will likely find us on the golf course, lacrosse field, pickleball court, hockey rink, or soccer field—either playing a game or cheering on our favorite team.
Our son is a hockey goalie, and my husband is confident this happened because of my life-long desire to become a “goalie mom.” While this title was not even on my radar, it is one I now wear proudly!
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
Growing up, on Sundays my parents would often take my brother and I to our grandparents’ home for dinner. It was a cherished tradition that my dad and his siblings upheld for many years. I have many fond memories of how all the cousins spent time together playing and concocting imaginary games where the rules always changed. As the oldest cousin, I often used my influence to ensure we played my favorite game “bank teller”.
My grandparents had a two-story home with a wraparound banister just inside the front door, which was perfectly designed to also function as a fully operational teller window. We crafted withdrawal slips and fake money to pass back and forth through the spindles in the banister. Of course, much of the time I played the role of the bank teller, trading withdrawal slips for “money” with my cousins was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Years later, one of my aunts who watched me play “bank teller” each Sunday helped me secure a job at a local credit union. Little did I know then how my early years of “training” with my cousins would prepare me for a career in the credit union industry.