Heath F. CEO, HTM Area Credit Union
I took over a small-size, 35-million-dollar asset Credit Union in November of 2020. The previous CEO did 99.5% of all operations and financial record keeping. Unfortunately, he passed away
unexpectedly with no notes or directions. For four months between his death and my assumption of his duties, there was no paid oversight on the accounting side. The board of director chairman did not hire or assist in the recordkeeping of the credit union. For many years, NCUA and the state of Ohio warned in letters of resolution that this practice of one person doing
all oversight was improper. Unfortunately, the worse case scenario unfolded. After I assumed the CEO role, it was very evident that this scenario was well over my expertise
and experience. Being a small size credit union, hiring the necessary individual with appropriate experience was not practical and feasible. After conversation with trusted vendors, we were
directed to Nikki’s team. Nikki K. and her team rolled up their sleeves and created a plan of attack. The team was able to work through the slug and was able to reconcile many ledgers,
appropriately and correctly. Nikki K. and her team created operational controls, procedures, and assisted in policy creation so that this credit union would have sound, safe, financial controls in
place.
Nikki K. and her team also consulted with the State of Ohio, and the NCUA regarding a plan of action to correct the errors of this credit union. Nikki K. and her team received countless projects
over time from both entities and maintained laser sharp focus and determination to complete projects assigned and to put us on the correct path. In addition, a third-party auditor was
brought into dive forensically in the books, and Nikki and her team did not miss a beat in assistance and review with the auditor. There were many “plates in the air”, as it were, and Nikki K.
and her team did their best to accommodate everyone. They did it with professionalism and punctuality.
As an executive, if I would ever be placed in this situation again, would make the easy call.
Nikki’s professionalism, positive attitude, and attention to detail makes a difficult decision very simple. Her experience makes her a trusted advisor and her personal touch gives you the
confidence you need to succeed. I wholly endorse Nikki K. and the team at CU Oasis.