Expanding Impact

Take one look at Heather McKissick’s career journey, and it’s easy to see that all roads led her to this moment. 

With experience that includes teaching at the university level, leading organizational development for a nonprofit healthcare system, serving as CEO of Leadership Austin, and most recently as an executive vice president at $4 billion University Federal Credit Union in Austin, Texas, McKissick has dedicated her professional life to developing leaders and strengthening communities.

Now, in her role as the new CEO of CUES, McKissick is excited to put her skills and experience to work serving members, driving growth, expanding impact and building on the organization’s track record as the go-to source for innovative leadership development for credit unions.

When selected for the position, McKissick noted how honored she is to lead an experienced and dedicated professional staff and work with a board of directors that represent enormous collective wisdom in the industry.

“I’m standing on the shoulders of board members, staff members and respected leaders like John Pembroke, whose heart, soul and talent have elevated CUES to be a premier organization,” McKissick says.

“My mission is to honor what’s come before me, strengthen what everyone already loves about CUES, and develop new strategies that expand our work in leadership development and member service,” she adds.

McKissick is looking closely at ways to increase strategic partnerships to enhance member service and member benefits and weave CUES more strongly into the credit union universe through enhanced collaboration. 

She also recently earned the prestigious International Credit Union Development Educator (I-CUDE) designation. The program is offered in partnership with several international DE programs to credit union leaders who have demonstrated a certain level of international development experience. That experience has shaped her perspective on what’s possible in terms of CUES developing leadership talent worldwide. 

“I’m inspired by the exponential difference CUES can make in the lives of credit union members, employees and communities in North America and around the world by empowering and equipping credit union leadership,” McKissick says.

As new CEO, McKissick is deeply committed to the long-term success of CUES’ programs, such as Directors Conference, CUES Symposium and the CEO Institutes. In addition, she’s excited to set the tone and vision for enhanced program, product and consulting options. 

“The right leadership will power mission-driven growth and sustainability in credit unions across the globe. CUES is uniquely suited to develop those leaders,” says McKissick. “That’s what makes the future of CUES so exciting.”   

Meet McKissick

• Family: Husband of 27 years Innes Mitchell; two kids, a daughter in college and a son in high school
• Hometown: Dallas
• Current town: Austin, Texas
• Favorite fandom: Star Trek
• Favorite food: Super spicy, especially Indian
• Favorite musicians: Prince and the Police (She has guitar picks she caught at these concerts!)
• Hidden superpower: ’80s pop culture trivia cues icon