Memphis Honors Financial Innovators at Annual CFO of the Year Awards

Memphis Celebrates the Unsung Heroes: CFO of the Year Awards

In a breezy evening filled with laughter and celebration, Memphis recently hosted the annual CFO of the Year Awards at Theatre Memphis on October 22. This event has been charming the local business community since 2010, shining a spotlight on the financial wizards behind the curtains of various organizations. These talented professionals make the complexities of numbers and spreadsheets look easy, all while infusing a heartwarming touch of creativity and personality into their work.

Meet Seth Rudd: The Dancing CFO

Among the notable winners this year was Seth Rudd, the CFO of Leaders Credit Union. If you think accountants are just number crunchers in suits, think again! Seth is breaking the mold – not only does he manage financial strategies with finesse, but he also has some serious moves on the dance floor. In fact, he revealed an impressive secret at the awards ceremony: “Even though I’m a typical accountant in many ways, I managed to win a local ‘Dancing with the Stars’ competition.” Now, that’s a surprise that definitely gets the crowd buzzing!

The Credit Union’s Evolution

Founded in 1957 in Jackson, Tennessee, Leaders Credit Union began its journey by serving teachers and has steadily expanded its demographic to include a diverse range of members. With a solid commitment to the community and its members, the credit union has seen its assets soar to over a staggering $1 billion in today’s market. Over the past five years, they have averaged an impressive 20% asset growth, a true testament to their dedication to providing excellent financial services.

Adapting to Challenges

However, being in the financial sector during these uncertain times isn’t without its challenges. Seth mentioned that the biggest hurdle currently is navigating the “economic uncertainties while ensuring we continue to grow responsibly.” It’s a balancing act that requires juggling immediate financial pressures with long-term strategic goals, a task he approaches with a sense of humor and determination.

The Bright Side of Smaller Size

Speaking of challenges, Seth noted how a smaller institution often faces competitive disadvantages against larger banks. But here’s the twist – this smaller size actually allows Leaders Credit Union to be more agile and responsive to clients’ needs. “This means we can offer personalized services and build stronger relationships,” Seth said. It’s clear that this flexibility distinguishes Leaders in an industry often dominated by big names.

Favorite Financial Tasks

So, what’s the best part of being a CFO? For Seth, it’s all about strategic planning and discovering ways to enhance member services. “These activities allow me to directly contribute to the credit union’s growth and member satisfaction,” he gleefully shared. He is determined to keep pushing the envelope on what member-focused growth looks like.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the Leaders Credit Union has a five-year plan that aims to set an industry benchmark for member-centric growth. Though the pace of growth might slow down slightly, Seth is confident that their robust asset growth will remain intact through their commitment to putting members first. “We want to ensure we continue providing the best services possible,” he asserted, with determination lighting up his face.

Conclusion: Honoring Excellence

As the evening wrapped up, the celebrations weren’t just about accolades; they were about recognizing the humanity behind numbers and celebrating the warmth, creativity, and intellect of CFOs like Seth Rudd. The CFO of the Year Awards are a wonderful reminder that in business, there’s always room for personality and fun alongside strategies and spreadsheets!

Stay tuned for more stories and updates on how Memphis is making strides in the world of business!