Board Member Spotlight: Gregory Gallant
Gregory Gallant serves as a Director on the Foundation Board and serves as President/CEO of WeStreet Federal Credit Union in Tulsa, OK.
What piqued your interest in joining the Foundation Board? Over my forty-three-year credit union career, I have been very aware of the significant impact that the Foundation has made on the lives of credit union employees and credit unions. I felt after forty-three years my education was long overdue!
What are you most proud of during your time on the Foundation Board? I have recently begun the second year of my three-year term, so I am fairly new. Although my tenure has been brief, the recent transition to a new Executive Director has brought new perspective on how to best fulfill the mission. I am fortunate to have a “seat at the table” currently with my fellow high quality strategic thinking board members. I hope my perspectives our accretive to the Foundation.
What is the Foundation’s most important role within the credit union system? I believe there are two roles that are equally as important. First, the Credit Union Development Educator program provides a solid foundation of what the credit unions system is about and reinforces our mission to bring financial well-being to our members and credit union employees. Second, the financial assistance that can be provided to credit unions and employees when a disaster strikes. Because of the national focus the National Credit Union Foundation is there for ALL credit unions.
Why do you think it’s important for the credit union system to support the Foundation and its work? The National Credit Union Foundation is best positioned to be the catalyst for credit union national disaster relief efforts regardless of geographic location. Supporting the Foundation is a way of supporting ALL credit unions.
What inspires you to continue your work within the credit union system? Making a positive difference in the lives of our employees and members.
What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last 6-12 months? As the CEO you don’t control anywhere near as much as you think you do. You only control your reaction. It took me way too long to recognize that!
What is your favorite hobby? I am a runner. I have run over 50 races and completed one full marathon (likely will never do that again). It gives me much needed time alone to be with my own thoughts.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? I love music. I have an extensive vinyl record collection that covers my eclectic taste.