“I wasn’t looking for a job,” said Kara Johnston about hearing about an opening for a CEO at IBEW Local 146 Credit Union 16 years ago.  “It was a perfect fit for me, so I took the job.”

Kara worked at IBEW Local 146 CU for 5 years before becoming CEO at United Equity Credit Union, a position she has held for the past 11 years.  United Equity CU began as serving the employees of Illinois Power (now Ameren Illinois) and now includes members from Decatur Firefighters CU, ADM CU, Decatur Medical-Dental CU, and several small SEGs.

“I love the camaraderie among credit unions and the ‘People Helping People’ philosophy,” said Kara.  She appreciates the relationships and great environment she found in the credit union movement.

Kara is especially proud of the wide array of products and services offered by her credit union, including shared branching.  She likes utilizing CUSOs and how they can assist a smaller CU to keep pace with larger institutions.  “The variety of services and loans gives the credit union opportunities for growth in down times or markets,” she said.

Kara’s advice to people who want to make a career in credit unions is to step up and learn as much as you can in different areas of the business.  She encourages people to be cross-trained because it makes you a more valuable employee.  When it comes to education and networking “Take advantage of it all,” said Kara.  “Attend conferences, chapter events, and volunteer in your community.”

“Focus on the future while helping members improve their financial health,” said Kara when asked about how credit unions can prepare for what’s coming next in the industry.  She suggests credit unions take advantage of opportunities to reduce administrative burden.  For example, moving to board meetings every other month has been helpful.

“Compliance and regulation force credit unions to spend a lot of time looking at the past.  It would be great to have time to look forward,” said Kara.  “It’s been invaluable having the League as a partner.”

Once retired, Kara plans to travel with her husband, Jeff.  They will spend time with their 4 children and 6 grandchildren.  Their daughters live out of state, Hannah (TN) and Madison (CA), while their sons Alec and Nathan live in Illinois.  Kara is looking forward to activities including reading, pickleball, golf, yoga, hiking, and volunteering.