December’s guest is Fidel Gonzalez, the President and CEO of First Imperial Credit Union and a proud member of the 1999 Phi Class of WCMS. Among many accomplishments, Fidel has led his low-income designated credit union to also become a CDFI certified credit union. With the CDFI designation, the credit union has applied for, and received, grants totaling over $7 million. With these dollars they have funded their loan loss reserve and served their members and community by lending into lower credit tiers and assuming the higher risk that accompanies it. Fidel is a distinguished credit union professional with a focus on member service, including the CCUFC certification. Always modeling the way for his team, and never losing sight of the members he serves, he has aligned the credit union’s purpose with the actions and opportunities that will provide First Imperial CU with the sustainability to serve for generations to come.

Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns

Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle

Supporting Cast: Robert York, Original Ryan Olsen, James Wileman and Jeff Morris