CU4Kids Influencer Highlight: Greg Mitchell

Values-based organizations place the interests of their customers, employees and communities ahead of pure profit. These organizations can, and usually do, deliver great financial results while also enriching the quality of life of customers, elevating the human spirit of their employees, and making a real difference in the lives of others in the communities where they live, love and work.   

Credit unions are built on a people helping people philosophy that embody a values-based approach to business. First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech) is one such organization that is going above and beyond to help thousands of kids move from hospital beds to playgrounds, ultimately helping shape a brighter and better future.  

Headquartered in San Jose, California and Hillsboro, Oregon, First Tech has nearly $17 billion in assets and more than 660,000 members. First Tech is the financial partner for the people in tech and serves members in all 50 states and 88 countries around the world.  Their membership base includes the employees of more than 900 technology companies, including employers such as Microsoft, HP, Amazon, Agilent, Intel, Cisco, Nike, Intuit, Google and more. The credit union is also one of the founders of CU4Kids, which brings together credit unions and business partners from across the country to raise funds for CMN Hospitals. First Tech has raised millions of dollars throughout the years to support children’s healthcare.

Leading the team and members of First Tech is Greg Mitchell, President & CEO. Since joining First Tech in 2012, Mitchell has helped his team realize strong growth, with assets rising from $4.5 billion to $17 billion under his leadership. Living and breathing their mission of investing in members, employees and communities is a top priority for Mitchell and the team at First Tech and embodies the credit union industry’s mantra of people helping people.

Support of CMN and formation of CU4Kids:

In the early 1980s, credit unions in Portland and SW Washington, started raising funds for OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital through a few different avenues including tree sales, bake sales, a wine auction/gala and celebrity golf tournament. The team at First Tech played a major role in starting Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) and has since morphed from a few smaller events into a wildly successful series of fundraising efforts that culminate with the NW Classic. The campaign and events succeed as a result of the efforts of countless employees and members of First Tech along with many other credit unions in the Greater Portland Metro and beyond. 

“We consider ourselves to be blessed on every level and can’t help to be moved by the testimony of the young kids and parents who show such strength, courage and determination in the face of major health challenges. Our ‘why’ for engaging and giving can be heard in the bold and proud voices of a child who is alive and thriving today solely as a result of the love and commitment and others who perform research, deliver exceptional treatment and provide needed funding,” stated Mitchell.

Employee Engagement:

“First Tech employees are, as a general rule, the embodiment of people helping people who cast a shadow of goodness and purpose through volunteerism. Community engagement and service is a key part of the value set. Last year, employees committed about 23,000 hours of community service,” stated Mitchell.

Being a good corporate citizen is just as important to First Tech as offering effective financial products and services. For CU4Kids, employees donated over $80,000 in 2023. Through unique and creative initiatives like car washes, hot wings challenges and the opportunity to throw pies in the face of the executive team, First Tech fosters healthy competition amongst employees while raising transformational funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Mitchell, who has had the “privilege” of receiving more than 30 pies in the face per year, is more than willing to get involved in the fundraising to make an impact.

Member Engagement:

First Tech, and other Portland Metro credit unions, invite members to join them in fundraising efforts. For the NW Classic Campaign, aggregate donations of pennies, nickels, dimes and dollars form employees and members aggregate to over $250,000 in a year. “FunRaising” is made easier when employees, members and other supporters know that 100% of funds raised go directly into the pockets of the local CMN Hospitals.

Pictured below is Bill Cheney, President & CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Greg Mitchell, President & CEO of First Tech Federal Credit Union, and Tony Boutelle, President & CEO of Origence. The group is holding the Founders Award, given to CU4Kids by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in honor of amazing contributions to CMN Hospitals.