“Credit unions were a culture shock,” said Diane Nibungco, CEO, Sherwin Williams Employees Credit Union.  “I was amazed at how credit unions work with each other.  I learned so much from attending ICUL Peer Group meetings.”

Before joining the credit union movement on the staff at South Division CU in 2006, Diane worked at big banks and large community banks.  She became CEO at Sherwin Williams ECU in 2016.

“I learned so much at South Division CU.  I liked getting to know the whole operation, not one small part,” said Diane.  Her best memory is becoming acquainted with the staff, boards, and members at credit unions.

Diane is proud of the technology improvements implemented at her credit union because it helps them compete with modern financial institutions.  At the same time, she is pleased credit unions can provide personalized service.

“I like how we handle loan applications. We look at all of them individually.  Even when a person has a troubled credit history, we try to understand what happened and look for ways to say yes,” she said.

Diane is working with her successor, John Lenz, as she transitions into retirement.  She enjoys spending more time in the lobby, interacting with members.  “I love it when members come into our office and say hi to all the employees by name.  We are lucky to have a long-term, loyal staff.”

Diane is also proud of improving the credit union’s balance sheet with strategic investments.  “The credit union is in a good place.”

Credit unions play an important role in the community, especially for low-income populations.  Diane hopes credit unions will always be around for people who need them.

For retirement plans, Diane said “at first, I want to do nothing.  No commitments.  No schedules.  Just relax.”  She’s looking forward to having time to read books and spending time with her husband, Luis and daughter, Jenny.  They currently work on different schedules, which makes it difficult to get together.

“I’m glad I’m retiring having worked at a credit union,” said Diane.