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NAFCU's inside look at its seven complimentary, member-only networks continues today with a Q&A featuring Hudson River Community Credit Union AVP of HR and Organizational Development Melisse Robinson. See what advice Robinson has for HR professionals to get the most out of the Human Resources Network.

Q: Why did you become a member of the NAFCU Human Resources Network and its steering committee?

A: Becoming a member allows me to gain knowledge in Human Resources by reaching out to see how my HR peers are tackling different HR issues. The committee can also provide strategic support by providing advice to others. It is kind of like having your own HR consultants when you need them.

Q: What would you say is the biggest benefit of participating in the network?

A: I am able to bounce ideas to the other members such as: How are they implementing benefit programs, how are they engaging their staff, what recruitment techniques are they using that they found to beneficial, what systems are they using for payroll, timekeeping, salary, compensation and benefits.

Q: What advice would you give to those who have recently joined the network?

A: Use the network and ask for advice and ideas. There is no wrong question to ask. Give your advice to others when they ask for help as well. This is a group of peers who can help educate you in HR areas as they are ever changing frequently.

Q: What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing credit union HR professionals in the next year? How can the network help the industry address it?

A: 

• Recruiting and hiring high quality talent. There is a tight labor market due to the pandemic. Reach out to the network for creative ideas for recruiting that you might not have thought of.
• Developing the next generation of leaders. The high cost of attracting and retaining talent means many credit unions are setting their sights on inside talent. To retain employees, we need to create or expand leadership development programs to meet the needs of our workforce. Ask the network for their ideas and approaches they are currently utilizing that are successful.

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In addition to the Human Resources Network, NAFCU has six other credit union profession-specific networks:

• CFO Network (read the network's spotlight with Gulf Winds Credit Union's Dale Johnson);
• Compliance, Risk & BSA Network (read the network's spotlight with Oklahoma's Credit Union's Laura Beth Dawson);
• Lending Network (read the network's spotlight with Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union's Steve Carle;
• Marketing & Growth Network (read the network's spotlight with Members 1st of New Jersey Federal Credit Union's Marya Cabatingan);
• Cybersecurity & IT Network; and
• CEO Network.

Across these seven online communities, more than 12,000 credit union professionals engage in discussion threads, share best practices, and have access to leading industry resources and insights. NAFCU's government affairs team also provides updates on closed-door meetings with regulators, administration officials, and other decision makers, as well as regulatory and legislative developments.

A new feature to the networks: The ability to post anonymously to ensure credit unions can still get insights even on sensitive issues.

The NAFCU Networks are free, member-only resources. Register now to join a NAFCU Network, or email NAFCU Senior Member Experience Strategist Allyson Gale. Representatives from NAFCU-member credit unions may use their NAFCU website login to access the network.

Next week's NAFCU Today spotlight will feature the Cybersecurity & IT Network.