Credit Union Influencer Highlight: Brad Calhoun

Credit Unions for Kids did a Q&A with Teacher’s Federal Credit Union President & CEO, Brad Calhoun! Check out his answers below.

• What is your professional background leading up to being President & CEO at Teachers Federal?
  • With over 28 years of leadership in the financial industry, I’ve been fortunate to drive transformation and growth at prominent institutions like First Tech Federal Credit Union and Bank of America. Since joining Teachers Federal Credit Union in 2019, my focus has been on evolving our organization to better serve our members and community. Over the last several years we have truly embraced our national charter and expanded our physical and digital footprint. We have also placed a strong emphasis on technological transformation, enhancing our online and mobile banking platforms and partnering with fintechs to enhance member accessibility. These efforts have not only positioned us as a leader in the financial services industry but also reinforced our mission to provide our members with smart guidance and solutions and help them build a strong financial foundation.

• What was the inspiration behind the Teachers Golf Tournament?
  • The Teachers Federal Credit Union Golf Tournament was inspired by our guiding principle to build a stronger community. We recognized the opportunity to harness our team’s passion for giving back into a meaningful fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®. We felt that we had a true opportunity to support this amazing organization with its mission to provide care and services for children across North America.

• Why do you feel it’s important to be involved with CMN and CU4Kids?
  • At Teachers Federal Credit Union, we are deeply committed to community stewardship through charitable giving and volunteer efforts. We dedicate our time, energy, and resources to causes that promote education, human services, economic development, and research. Supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a vital part of this commitment. CMN Hospitals raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals nationwide and this partnership allows us to help CMN Hospitals make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of children across the country, reflecting our core values and dedication to making a difference in our community.

• What are the main things you attribute to the two record-setting years for the golf tournament?
  • The success of our golf tournament can be attributed to several key factors. First and foremost, it’s the incredible support from our partners, sponsors like TruStage and Fiserv, and the generous donations from our employees and members. Secondly, our team’s meticulous planning and execution ensured a seamless and enjoyable event for all participants. Lastly, our shared enthusiasm and commitment to the cause propelled us to exceed our fundraising goals for two consecutive years. I’m proud that we have raised over $1 million in the first two years of hosting our golf tournament!

• What are some fun components you incorporate into the golf tourney to make it stand out?
  • Our golf outing stands out as the first event of its kind in the Northeast to directly benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and their mission to save and improve children’s lives. Many of us at Teachers had an opportunity to watch the Netflix docu-series “Emergency NYC,” which highlights the incredible work of medical professionals in the tristate area. One of the featured doctors, Dr. Jose Prince, Chief of Pediatric Surgery at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, has been a true partner in our efforts. Dr. Prince not only celebrated our team’s fundraising successes but also joined us on the golf course and delivered a keynote speech at the event. His involvement brought a unique and personal touch, highlighting the real-world impact of our fundraising efforts. And finally, my wife, Danielle, who is very passionate about supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, plays a significant role in planning the tournament. Working on this project together has made it even more special and impactful.

• Are there any other ways Teachers Federal likes to participate and get involved with CMN Hospitals / CU4Kids?
  • Teachers hosts an annual Miracle Balloon fundraiser in our branches and Call Center every year. This is a great way to involve not only our teammates in fundraising efforts, but our members as well!
• Do you feel corporate responsibility contributes to employee engagement? With your employees having work that also impacts the community have you seen any positive insights in employee retention or turnover?
  • The Teachers team truly rallies behind the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.” We give back by collectively sharing our time, energy, and resources with the people and communities we serve under our guiding principle of “Building a Strong Community”. In just the last several months , our team has volunteered over 1,000 hours in the community. 

• What would you say to credit unions or other industry partners looking to get involved in CMN Hospitals or CU4Kids?
  • My advice to other credit unions is to tap into your mission and vision and identify what truly inspires your organization’s team members. It’s crucial to emphasize the importance of these initiatives to your partners and vendors, ensuring that everyone understands and supports your goals. Additionally, develop routines to recognize and celebrate your team’s fundraising efforts. This will motivate your team and foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. By aligning your initiatives with your core values and creating a culture of appreciation, you can achieve remarkable results and make a meaningful impact.