NAFCU Journal September October 2021

28 THE NAFCU JOURNAL September–October 2021 Though there was no escaping the difficulties 2020 brought for all, Paula Lehn worked to keep her team, staff, volunteers and FAST Federal Credit Union as a whole focused on one goal: serving FAST’s members and communities while keeping long-term strength and stability. By the end of 2020, FAST had grown 30% and was able to keep all branches open. During this time, Lehn also supported staff in many ways all while moving FAST forward. Lehn ensured staff and volunteers were safe and protected in the early onset of the coronavirus pandemic. FAST was the first busi- ness to have designed, built and installed plexiglass protective shields in Kings County. Lehn also prioritized staff appreciation by giving several staff appreciation bonuses and even changing the business hours of the credit union so staff could have more time with their families during the unprecedented, difficult time. One of Lehn’s biggest priorities as CEO is the betterment of FAST staff and membership. In line with this goal, Lehn is committed to the professional development of FAST staff and she leads the annual All Staff meeting where staff members are invited to express what works and what doesn’t. Lehn also developed the enactment of ‘focus words’—phrases for staff and volunteers to be inspired by during the year. Words like “steady” and “renew” center the staff and volunteers of FAST on one goal and, along with the focus word/phrase, books are assigned to further inspire staff. Lehn is a risk-taker and a problem-solver; she ensures that under her guidance the credit union is adaptable. Under Lehn’s lead- ership, FAST has been able to introduce members and staff to a new online banking service and the credit union has launched several trending services, such as Apple and Google Pay. In the community, Lehn fosters a culture of giving back. She strongly supports the kids program “Dollar Dog,” which works with Kings County Schools to educate children about saving their money and financial institutions. Lehn has even donned the Dollar Dog costume to make the children smile! Professional of the Year More Than $250M Julie Gamblin True Sky Credit Union Oklahoma City, Oklahoma In her over 20 years of service at True Sky, Julie Gamblin has held various roles in the human resources, operations, marketing and collections departments. Her knowledge of the credit union indus- try and her laser focus on credit union-wide goals have allowed her to become regarded as the backbone of the organization. Gamblin’s management practices strategically balance the needs of the credit union, members and staff. As an advocate for a culture of accountability and growth, Gamblin drives the credit union forward daily and strives for excellence and equity with an eye on the future. Through her position at True Sky, Gamblin garnered national attention for partnering with a local NBC affiliate to build “A Place to Call Home” for foster children’s adoptions. Over the past year she has developed partnerships with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Oklahoma Dodger Foundation and has engaged with schools in the community to foster financial literacy. Gamblin was immediately responsive to the coronavirus pan- demic. She rolled out the Stand True Program across the OKC metro area to assist members impacted by the pandemic, which resulted in over 15,000 wellness check calls made to at-risk members. True Sky was featured on several national news out- lets for the COVID-related safety measures that were developed at branches to protect staff and members. Internally, Gamblin has standardized procedures across the credit union, and launched a several training and employee development programs, including a year-long management training program for internal employees. Gamblin is known for going above and beyond her job title and doing so with a smile. CEO of the Year $250M or Less Paula Lehn FAST Federal Credit Union Lemoore, California