Cornerstone welcomes YP Advisors for Kansas and Missouri

The Cornerstone League has selected two young credit union professionals as YP Advisors for Kansas and Missouri:

• Chad Kuester, VP of specialized lending, River Region Credit Union, Jefferson City, Mo.

• Natalie Toledo, executive administrative assistant, Frontier Community Credit Union, Leavenworth, Kan.
  

The YP Advisors are tasked with advancing the role of young professionals within the credit union movement. YP Advisors reach out to credit unions and chapters in the Cornerstone region to encourage engagement through meetings, community involvement, and the annual Young Professionals Conference. Here's your chance to get to know your new YP Advisors.

Chad Kuester

Chad Kuester has been working in the credit union industry for more than nine years. He has a fondness for helping members find creative solutions to their financial situations.

Kuester said he’s been fortunate to benefit from mentors. “Several mentors have provided guidance on how to achieve both personal and professional growth,” he said. “They have shared wisdom accumulated over a long tenure in credit unions, and they have done so with patience and empathy, demonstrating what great leadership really is.”

“I’m a big fan of our local Special Olympics in Missouri,” Kuester said about his favorite charity and aid organizations. “I was able to organize a fundraising effort at our credit union for SOMO a few years back using the Polar Plunge and sending a team every year for the last four years. Over that time, credit union employees and members have raised almost $20,000.”

As an avid advocate for credit unions, Kuester has benefited from attending events such as Day at the Capitol in Missouri and CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C.

“They have all been incredible environments, and I encourage anyone thinking about participating to do so,” Kuester said. “During DATC, I was the only person in my state representative’s office, and it forced me to grow and initiate what could previously be an intimidating conversation. Washington is full of history and being immersed in it for a few days was incredible. Having the ability to network with credit union peers from around the country and create lasting relationships is invaluable.” 

On a lighter note:

• Kuester said he’s currently reading the Jack Reacher novels by Lee Childs. “So far, I’ve read 19 of the 22 books.”
• If he could give his 14-year-old self some life advice, it would be “Your parents may actually know what they’re talking about sometimes.”
• If he won the lottery, Kuester “would buy a large ranch in Montana and spend fall in the mountains.”

Natalie Toledo

Natalie Toledo has been at Frontier Community Credit Union for just over a year, but she’s been a member of a credit union for more than 17 years. Her favorite thing about working in the credit union is getting to work with “family.”

“Working in a credit union really does give me a family vibe and, to me, this is very important since I am away from mine,” Toledo said.

The cause that appeals most to Toledo’s sense of community engagement is near and dear to her heart: Leavenworth Council on Aging. “As of now, I do Meals on Wheels deliveries every Thursday,” she said. “In the future, I plan to volunteer more of my time where it’s needed in the organization, and give the seniors of our community a healthier, stress-free, happier life.”

While she’s not a fan of politics, Toledo learned the importance of advocating for credit unions. “I had the privilege of attending the 2023 GAC, and my experience was amazing,” she said. “I learned how important it is to have these visits with our legislators to express our concerns. Sitting in and watching it unfold was impressive.”

In the professional development arena, Toledo says that as the executive administrative assistant, she is the “appointment of recording” secretary at every monthly board of directors meeting.

“Recording the minutes has allowed me to stay engaged and learn about upcoming projects or decisions on important topics,” she said. “Furthermore, I get to know the board of directors on a more personal level. Both aspects are a huge part of my role at the credit union.”

On a lighter note:

• If she had a superpower, Toledo would choose teleportation. “I’ve always said there are not enough hours in a day, so why waste it traveling? I could be in many different places around the world in seconds.”
• One thing that surprises people about Toledo is that she’s a powerlifter in training. “I can bench 135 lbs., squat 185 lbs., and deadlift 225 lbs. Considering where I started, I’ve come a long way.”
• She doesn’t normally watch TV, but when she does, she’s binge-watching “Unsolved Mysteries” on Netflix or any true crime.
• If she could give her 14-year-old self some life advice, it would be: “Save! Save! Save your money—and love yourself first.”
• If she won the lottery, she would buy her mom her first home or at least provide a huge down payment. “Out of anyone I know, she’s worked so hard, and she deserves it.”