Champion Spotlight: Chris Roe

In the fast-paced world of finance, sharing knowledge, expertise and resources helps credit unions stay relevant and ahead of the competition. TruStage’s Christopher Roe brings that collaborative spirit and a wealth of experience within the movement to his role on the Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) advisory board, helping grow the mission of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals.

Roe helps to promote CU4Kids activities at TruStage – formerly CUNA Mutual Group – where he serves as the Senior Vice President of Corporate and Legislative Affairs. The company is heavily involved with CU4Kids, sponsoring events like the CA NV Wine Auction, In the Cellar, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run and many more. TruStage contributes financial support, staff time, and other resources to CMN Hospitals because their ideals align.

“Health issues can have a major financial impact on individuals,” Roe said. “When you think of the TruStage mission of making a brighter financial future accessible for everyone, we recognize that health issues can really set a person back financially … we’re proud to partner with both credit unions and CMN Hospitals because it’s all connected.”

More than 15 years ago, Roe was first exposed to CU4Kids at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom race in Washington, D.C., which is now a top-tier fundraising event for CU4Kids. As a parent and credit union advocate, he was struck by the way credit unions united to make the event possible. And he recognized that the funds raised do more than improve access to health care – they provide support to families, allowing parents to focus their energy and attention on their children at a time of great need.

Roe realized the importance of CU4Kids and decided to get more engaged. Through the Cherry Blossom race, he was able to participate in many different roles, including bake sales, T-shirt sales, bag drops for runners, online fundraising campaigns, and so much more for over a decade! After seeing his involvement and advocacy for CMN Hospitals and CU4Kids, he was approached to serve on the CU4Kids Advisory Board.

In the spirit of sharing and capitalizing on industry knowledge and influence, Roe has brought fundraising best practices and financial advising to his position on the board for the past seven years. He says the biggest opportunity is establishing a clear road map for success and uniting everyone behind that vision. “Different credit unions approach fundraising differently, and the challenge is taking those individual activities and trying to aggregate and unify them into a national brand,” Roe stated.

Credit Unions for Kids is being recognized at Children’s Hospitals Week as a recipient of the Founder’s Award for its commitment to raising critical donations for CMN Hospitals. The Founder’s Award is a highly prestigious award provided to a distinguished individual or organizations who have made amazing contributions to CMN Hospitals. These contributions – such as time, effort, talent, significant personal commitment, or a leadership role – positively impact and benefit member hospitals.

“CMN Hospitals has excelled at providing alternative ways for credit unions to get involved, beyond traditional fundraising methods,” Roe said. “The celebration of the credit union industry receiving the Founder’s Award is a great testimony to what we’ve accomplished collectively.”