Board Member Spotlight: Juan Fernandez

Juan Fernandez serves as a Director on the Foundation Board and serves as President/CEO of Luminate (Louisiana Credit Unions) in Harahan, LA.

Learn more about Juan and his passion for the Foundation and credit unions below:

What piqued your interest in joining the Foundation Board?

Louisiana is a state full of rich history, culture, music and great people; but Louisiana is also a state with tremendous needs credit unions are working to address. The National Credit Union Foundation is that organization that is that catalyst helping credit unions find sustainable programs to deliver for community members being left behind by banks. As the Foundation charts a new strategic direction, I am excited to be a part of this team.

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

The Foundation has a vibrant team and I get to be on the ground as a new Executive Director brings her passion and vision to life. I can’t think of a time when this leadership was more needed than now. We get to be part of it.

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

Inspiring credit unions and bringing ideas into action that marry philosophy and business into one.

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

As we face the battle of our lives with taxation, it is the Foundation that helps curate the stories that will bring us to victory. Programs like the Development Education (DE) program help employees “get it” and understand that reason why we do what we do.

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

We can help communities by giving them the tools to thrive. We help achieve American dreams each and everyday through the cooperative model.

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

How quickly you can build or tear something apart. It is up to each of us to choose to move fast, innovate and deliver for our members.

What is your favorite hobby?

Entertaining others and bringing joy to loved ones.

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

I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York when I was 13. I began in the financial industry at a small bank as a teller at 16. And I’m a roller coaster junkie!