Professional of the Year More Than $500M Suresh Renganathan Teachers Federal Credit Union Smithtown, New York Suresh Renganathan’s unique array of experience working in enterprise IT, cybersecurity management, digital transformations and data management has allowed him to lead complex projects to completion as Chief Technology Officer of Teachers Federal Credit Union. Since joining the team at Teachers, Renganathan has spearheaded the credit union’s digital transformation. In addition, he works to establish the proper systems to improve both member and employee experiences by addressing new technological and back-end needs and coordinating with various departments in the credit union. His efforts have not gone unnoticed and, in 2022, Teachers was the first credit union to be awarded the Celent Model Bank Award, which recognized the credit union’s digital banking transformation, led in full force by Renganathan. Renganathan’s leadership and strategic vision to transform Teachers Federal Credit Union’s digital programs and processes over the last three years also made the organization’s firstout-of-state branch in Tampa, FL, possible. The credit union announced in 2022 it would be opening the branch after 70 years of banking exclusively in New York. His four-pillar digital strategy surrounding the themes of New Capabilities and Features, Business Transformation, Savings and Optimization and Foundational Technologies has driven the pursuit of the Teachers Federal Credit Union “Smart For All” pledge to provide services and experiences that members need to achieve their financial goals and dreams. Renganathan is an extension of Teachers Federal Credit Union in his commitment to providing smart guidance to help members build a strong financial foundation. He brings great advice and expertise to the team, with a recommendation to continuously listen, then learn, then lead. He emphasizes the importance of building diverse, talented teams to focus on key priorities, without the distraction of technology. Overall, teammates can feel Renganathan’s commitment to the credit union industry, and he truly connects with the major credit union value of “People Helping People.” Professional of the Year $500M or Less Kym Copeland New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union Metairie, Louisiana Kym Copeland currently serves a vital role as the Senior Development Officer for New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union where she oversees the addition of select employee groups (SEGs). This role is key to the growth of the credit union and, under her leadership, the number of SEG groups has grown nearly 20%. Throughout the credit union’s footprint in Louisiana and Mississippi, Copeland is an ambassador of New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union and is a consistent spokesperson who helps explain the distinct difference between credit unions and banks. Copeland also serves as the assistant director of a nonprofit she helped form, called The Faith Fund. In this role, she helps individuals and families better manage their money, escape predatory lending and achieve financial stability—all while executing her role at New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union flawlessly. She is a valued financial coach and excels at providing individuals and their families with an action plan to achieve solid wealth management. Copeland has never met a stranger, believes in meeting people where they are and is always looking for a way to provide a helping hand. She truly embodies Principle 6 of the Cooperative Principles of Credit Unions—she always seeks ways to leverage the power of “cooperation among cooperatives.” She is inclusive in her approach and wants everyone around her to feel welcome. Her efforts strengthen the cooperative movement and create meaningful social and economic impact. In the day-to-day, her approach towards leadership creates a welcoming environment and elevates staff morale at New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union. She is the consummate professional of the highest degree and has an “I can do that” attitude. Copeland is a servant leader who places the needs and wishes of others above her own and she is an important and integral part of the New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union team. 27 THE NAFCU JOURNAL September–October 2023
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