Teachers Federal Credit Union, New York, New York, United States: Brad Calhoun, President and CEO

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Brad C. Calhoun, President and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union, is an ideal candidate for the Stevie Awards Achievement in Management (Financial Services) Category.

Mr. Calhoun’s visionary leadership and commitment to innovation have propelled Teachers Federal Credit Union to new heights and achievements. Under his guidance, Teachers Federal Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the United States with 460,000 members and $9.7 billion in assets, has experienced remarkable growth and expansion. 

In 2023, Teachers Federal Credit Union truly embraced its open charter that allows anyone across the country to become a member by establishing a new retail location in Tampa, Florida. This strategic move not only expanded the credit union's footprint with its first branch location outside the state of New York but helped bring the credit union’s exceptional products and services to more members across the country.

Recognizing the pressing challenges many members are facing in the current financial climate, under Mr. Calhoun's leadership, Teachers has proactively sought out innovative solutions to help members enhance their financial well-being. Through strategic fintech partnerships with industry leaders such as Goodleap, Figure, Prosper, and Splash Financial, Teachers Federal Credit Union has empowered members to unlock competitive personal, auto, home equity, and solar lending options while diversifying the credit union's balance sheet alongside organic loan growth.

Notably, Teachers Federal Credit Union has distinguished itself as a pioneer in sustainable finance by way of a robust $650M solar loan portfolio. Partnering with the fintech GoodLeap, this initiative not only aligns with the credit union's values of bringing solar loans to applicants on a national level but also underscores the credit union’s dedication to creating a brighter and greener future for all.

Building on the Teachers' mission to provide its members with the smartest guidance to help build a strong financial foundation today for a better tomorrow, Mr. Calhoun fostered a partnership with TruStage to introduce Smart Offers to its membership. This digital-first solution provides members with the ability to accept or apply for deposit and loan products from the homepage of their Online or Mobile Banking. With just a few clicks, members can activate offers and obtain products they need when they need them. The partnership helps make acquiring new products and services more accessible than ever by reducing friction and streamlining fulfillment efforts. In 2023, coupled with targeted email campaigns, Teachers Smart Offers generated nearly $81M in loans and over $100M in deposit products.

 Mr. Calhoun's steadfast dedication to efficiency and excellence has been the driving force behind the seamless integration of automation throughout Teachers Federal Credit Union. Through his advocacy for technological advancement, particularly in deploying cutting-edge RPA automation technologies, Teachers has introduced 40 bots that have saved the organization 106,000 working hours so that employees can better channel their energies toward activities that deliver more impactful experiences and value to members. This strategic initiative has enabled Teachers to streamline operations, eradicate redundancies, and leverage the talents of its workforce in a more impactful manner, driving innovation and greater value for members.

 Mr. Calhoun's exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to innovation, and dedication to serving members have positioned Teachers as a trailblazer in the financial industry. His visionary initiatives have not only transformed the credit union but have also enriched the lives of countless individuals and communities across the nation.

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1. Teachers, one the largest credit unions in the United States, grows its asset size to more than $9.7 billion and over 460,000 members nationwide. (Nov 2023)

2. Teachers helps countless communities through its various partnerships, including donating over $800,000 to the community, and supporting 75  non-profit organizations across the country (2023)

3. Teachers donates over $400,000  to Children's Miracle Network Centers towards life-saving medical equipment, clinical care, and research (2023)

4. Teachers becomes the first-ever presenting sponsor of the Making Strides of Long Island Walk, raising more than $264,000 over the past two years (2022 & 2023)

5. Teachers is recognized as LIBN’s Reader Rankings Awards best credit union for the second year in a row (2022 & 2023)

6. Calhoun announces Teachers Florida expansion, marking the credit union’s first branch outside New York State as it celebrates 70 years. (Oct. 2022)

7. Teachers makes Forbes Magazine’s best-in-state credit union list (2022)

8. Teachers recognized as Celent’s Model Bank of the Year (2022)

9. Teachers ranks as the #1 credit union in NY for CULAC contributions to support the credit union movement. (2022)