Board Member Spotlight: John Sackett
John Sackett serves as the Chairman of the Foundation Board and serves on the board of Royal CU (RCU) in Eau Claire, WI. He also serves as President of the RCU Foundation Board. John joined The Foundation Board in 2016 and served as Secretary in 2020 and Vice Chair from 2021-2023.
Learn more about John and his passion for the Foundation and credit unions below:
What interested you about joining the Foundation Board?
In 2016 I was a member of the CUNA Board when an appointment position became open on the Foundation Board. Like many in the credit union industry, I had heard about the Foundation but didn’t really know its function, relationship with CUNA now America’s Credit Unions or the role in the industry. Joining the Board allowed me to understand that the Foundation is truly the heart of the industry. The Foundation’s mission to improve people’s financial lives is evident through the work around financial well-being for all and mission-based training. I took then, and I continue to take, my responsibilities at the national level very seriously.
What interested you about being part of the executive committee and taking on the role of Foundation Board Chair?
Being part of the executive committee and taking on the role of Foundation Board Chair allows me to continue to deepen my understanding of the Foundation’s work. It also allows me to have the knowledge and understanding to help lead conversations with members of many of the Foundation’s committees like the FinHealth Fund Advisory Committee for example. Being part of the important work to better members’ financial lives is so impactful and I’m happy to be a small part of moving this great work forward.
What are you most proud of during your time on the Foundation Board?
Unquestionably the most important and proudest thing I have done on the Foundation Board is to be part of the selection process for the new Executive Director. It is probably the most important thing that I’ll have done while serving on the board and I’m very proud of how it turned out.
What is the Foundation’s most important role within the credit union system?
The Foundation’s role in mission-based training like the DE program is a key part in the development of our future industry leaders. This training truly gets to the heart of the credit union difference and impacts our industry for the better. I’d also mention the great work around grants. RCU was a recipient of a grant to measure and analyze our work to improve financial literacy, understanding and well-being of incarcerated individuals. The partnership between RCU and the Foundation allowed this great work to be captured as a resource for credit unions. Check out the full white paper, Making a Difference: Correctional Facility Financial Education, for more information.
Why do you think it’s important for the credit union system to support the Foundation and its work?
The Foundation is an integral part of the entire credit union system. It supports the system in many ways; through financial well-being for all and the work of the FinHealth Fund, mission-based training, and CUAid that facilitates needed support when part of the credit union family is in need due to disasters. The Foundation is the heart, the ways and means of the system.
What inspires you to continue your volunteer service within the credit union system?
It’s not an easy one to answer because it’s so personal. I know that what I do within the system makes a difference. I know that what I do has a meaningful positive impact on the members of credit unions. I can’t see it every day like maybe a front-line employee does, but I know I make a difference. I’ve spent 42+ years doing all that I can to promote the difference at the local, state and national level. I have been very lucky.
What is your favorite hobby?
I’ve been a golfer virtually my whole life. I really enjoy playing with my sons (even though they can all beat me now) and I’m really enjoying traveling with my wife and close friends.
Learn more about The Foundation and ways to support The Foundation’s work by visiting www.ncuf.coop.