VP of Operations. Credit union leader. I run multi-branch operations, build leaders, and fix what's broken so teams perform and members win.
Strategy Into Execution
I turn plans into results.
Multi-Branch Leadership
I build alignment across locations.
Process Improvement
I find the real problem and fix it.
What You’ll Find Here
I built this space to think out loud. The wins. The lessons. The ideas I'm still figuring out. Leadership, operations, strategy, and more.
This is for my team, for peers in the industry, and for anyone trying to build something that matters. If something here helps you lead better or think differently, it was worth writing.
Featured Content
Is rate still a differentiator, or has it become a proxy for poor experience?
In this podcast clip, I share how the 5 Voices framework has helped me communicate change more effectively by adapting my message to different communication styles.
I built an underwriting tool using AI - Claude. Trained off historical loan performance and loss analysis.
Insights & Ideas
If you could rebuild your credit union today, what would it look like, and what are you willing to change to make it happen?
I had the pleasure of speaking on ServStar Consulting’s Podcast around The 5 Voices, leadership, and succession.
The power of conflicting values.
What truly sets a credit union apart is how it serves its members every day.
How do we win over expectations? What comes beyond service?
When thank you feels unnatural, it shows we have an opportunity to bring meaning back to our member conversations.
Is rate still a differentiator, or has it become a proxy for poor experience?
How much can we learn about someone by asking one simple question?
In this podcast clip, I share how the 5 Voices framework has helped me communicate change more effectively by adapting my message to different communication styles.
Do people feel the fear of loss more strongly than the reward of gain, and should our marketing reflect that?
Drawing on Steven Bartlett’s insight, this post highlights how strong culture transforms individual talent into collective excellence.
Pattern recognition is one of the most practical AI uses: I took real loan outcomes and let the model show what patterns actually drive loss.
I built an underwriting tool using AI - Claude. Trained off historical loan performance and loss analysis.
About
I started in lending, moved into operations, and built my career by fixing what wasn't working.
Before Illinois State Credit Union, I consulted with credit unions across the Southeast, advising executive teams and boards on strategy, compliance, and growth. Now I lead multi-branch operations and focus on building leaders, improving systems, and delivering results that last.
I believe leadership is about making the people around you better. And I believe credit unions exist to serve members, not the other way around.
Connect
Open to conversations about operations, leadership, and the future of credit unions.
Email: jragsdale@itsmycu.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-ragsdale-cu