Ashley Kohlrus, chief experience officer at Allegacy Federal Credit Union, has been named one of the five finalists in the Credit Union Executives Society’s (CUES) 2012 Next Top Credit Union Exec contest. CUES highlights and honors emerging leaders age 35 and under from within the credit union community and recognizes the work they are doing to advance their credit union and the movement.
Kohlrus began the competition against 32 other credit union leaders from all across the United States, Canada and Australia. She was required to create a video outlining the details of an innovative project the credit union has implemented and the online public voted for their favorite to narrow the field to fifteen. From there, a judging panel selected the five finalists.
Kohlrus, responsible for the enhancement of member experience, alignment of the synergy culture and development for employees, internal communications and community relations, submitted details of Allegacy’s current project called ‘Mapping the Member Experience.’ The initiative reviews all aspects of member services, identifies what impressions are created along the way and where impressions may be enhanced.
“We realized in order to distinguish ourselves we had to redefine service, become passionate and fully engaged with our members as we live out our mission of helping them make smart financial choices,” said Kohlrus. “I am thrilled to be in the top five and honored to lead this ongoing Allegacy initiative that will positively impact the lives of employees and members.”
As a top five finalist, Kohlrus wins a $6,000 prize package, including executive coaching sessions and a trip to CUES' CEO/Executive Team Network event in Manalapan, Florida, November 4–7, 2012.
While in Florida, Kohlrus will compete against the other four finalists who will face off for the grand prize, a CUES educational package valued at $20,000, and the honor of being named the 2012 CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec.
Updates on the Allegacy project are featured on the website here: Ashley update. The public will also get a chance to vote throughout the day, Tuesday, November 6, for their favorite finalists’ presentation at the CEO/Executive Team Network. A portion of the final score also is tabulated based on social media interaction leading up to the final presentations.
Kohlrus received her undergraduate degree in Speech Communications from East Tennessee State University and her master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Change from Pfeiffer University. She also earned a senior professional human resources certification.
Kohlrus is active in the Winston-Salem community where she volunteers with the Wake Forest University MA Mentor Program, serves on the Women's Council for Forsyth Medical Center Foundation, the NC Triad Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure board of directors and the Maya Angelou Center for Women's Health Advisory board. She is also a 2010 recipient of the YWCA "Women of Vision" award.