Why credit union leaders should consider running for office
Nine months ago, I stepped into a new role: candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Politics was always something I had kept at arm’s length. It seemed, from the outside, like a realm of ceaseless divisiveness, arguments, and a whole lot of negativity. But to my surprise, I don’t hate it. In fact, I’ve found it to be much more meaningful and rewarding than I ever imagined.
The biggest revelation for me has been the power of face-to-face conversations. When you’re actually sitting down with people, listening to their concerns, and having real discussions, it’s a different world. It’s not about spouting rhetoric or throwing around soundbites; it’s about understanding people’s lives, their hopes, their struggles, and finding common ground. This has been an incredibly refreshing experience for me. I’ve found that when you look people in the eye and they do the same, politics suddenly feels more personal and a lot less divisive.
Through this journey, I’ve had the chance to meet so many wonderful people. These are folks who love West Virginia and genuinely want the best for our state. They care about their neighbors, their families, and the future of their communities. These are people who “get it.” They know the value of hard work and community spirit, and they’re eager to make a positive difference. It’s lifted my spirits in ways I never expected, and it’s made me more hopeful about the future.
My time in this political landscape has made me believe that more credit union people should run for office. Why? Because being on the ground, hearing firsthand about the issues affecting people’s lives, isn’t just beneficial for your campaign—it also transforms how you approach your role back at the credit union. You get an up-close look at what your community truly needs, and this perspective is invaluable when it comes to serving your members. You begin to see how decisions made at the policy level impact your members’ financial lives and how, as a credit union, you can respond to and advocate for those needs.
When you sit down with a small business owner struggling with loan access, a mother worried about the cost of childcare, or a retiree wondering how they’ll cover healthcare expenses, you’re gathering insights that go far beyond what’s on a spreadsheet. These conversations are windows into the real-world challenges your members face every day. By running for office, you’re not only becoming a voice for them, you’re also bringing their stories and needs back to your credit union where you can turn those insights into action.
The experience of running for office has been a game-changer for me, and I hope more credit union leaders consider it. There’s something special about being directly involved in your community, beyond the walls of the credit union. It opens your eyes to new perspectives and empowers you to make an even greater impact, both in office and back at your credit union. If you’re on the fence, you might want to consider taking the plunge. Politics may surprise you, just like it did me. Win or lose, it’s been a life changing experience.
