Leave a Legacy: Oklahoma Credit Union Leaders

On trailblazers Michael Kloiber, Larry Shropshire, and Gina Wilson

In our third month of highlighting some of our movement’s trailblazers, Cornerstone is pleased to feature credit union leaders in Oklahoma who continue to set high bars for the next generation: Michael Kloiber, Larry Shropshire, and Gina Wilson.

All three of this month’s leaders have made a difference to the Oklahoma credit union members they serve and in their own unique ways have advanced the credit union movement. When you read their profile highlights, think about what you can learn—and what you might emulate—from their experiences.

Then visit Cornerstone social media channels to discover some of these leaders’ additional key insights.

For their advice to other leaders in the industry, be sure and check out our upcoming social media posts. Do you know someone who is leaving their legacy at your organization? Use #CULeaveALegacy and tell us or show us how they are leaving their mark. If you're not already, you can follow us on social by clicking on the following links: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 

Michael Kloiber

The mission statement of Tinker Federal Credit Union reads, “TFCU exists to help our members achieve their goals and realize their dreams.” As president and chief executive officer of the $5.6 billion credit union for the past 25 years, Michael Kloiber has embodied that sentiment throughout his career.

Kloiber is a native Oklahoman and has resided in South Oklahoma City for more than 66 years. He has worked in the financial services industry for 43 years. He is retiring after 33 years with TFCU, effective Sept. 1, 2021.

In paving his legacy, Kloiber has served on many professional organizations as a member and board chair, including the Better Business Bureau of Central Oklahoma, Defense Credit Union Council, Oklahoma City Council, Navy League of the United States, Hispanics Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma, Credit Union Association of Oklahoma, and separate advisory councils for Chairman Ben Bernanke and the Board of Governors for the Federal Reserve Bank, among others.

Kloiber also served as member and chair of Cornerstone Credit Union League, Credit Union Resources, and Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation (now Cornerstone League, Cornerstone Resources, and Cornerstone Foundation, respectively).

“I have had the privilege to serve the credit union industry and the community on many boards and committees,” said Kloiber. “I believe that my involvement in the industry has helped make it better and will help credit unions survive well into the future. I think the crown jewel for me was my facilitating the consolidation of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas into the Cornerstone Credit Union League. We now are part of the largest league in the nation and poised for enormous success in the future.” 

Kloiber offers some keen insights and advice about leadership to young professionals:

• Keep a sense of humility about you always.
• Don’t be afraid of a challenge; just give it your very best!
• Pursue your education now; don’t wait. It will be much harder later when you’re older and have more responsibilities and a family.
• Accept the fact that there’s more than one way to accomplish a task, and let others choose their path to a successful completion.
• Never be afraid to fail, or you will miss many opportunities for success; and don’t be afraid to make the tough decisions.
• Always balance work and family. It is tough, but family should always come first. You have to find a happy balance.

Larry Shropshire

Larry Shropshire has been a credit union member for more than 30 years and has served as president/CEO of Communication Federal Credit union since 2009. Under his leadership, the credit union has grown from $535 million to $1.6 billion in assets.

During his tenure at CFCU, Shropshire has served on numerous boards and committees, including as a director of Credit Union Services Center, Oklahoma Credit Union House, Cornerstone Resources, and most recently, Cornerstone League. Prior to CFCU, Shropshire was executive director of the Oklahoma Tax Commission until he retired in 2007.

Some of Shropshire’s accomplishments include maintaining CFCU’s net worth over 14%, directing asset growth from $675 million to $1.03 billion, improving loan-to-share ratio from 45% to 86%, and increasing the credit union’s footprint by adding five new branches.

The work experience that prepared him for credit unions includes two years as chief financial officer at Thunderbird Entertainment Center in Norman, where he directed the casino’s financial policies, collection of more than $60 million, activity for 120 employees, and 500 slot machines and game tables. He was also the CEO for the Oklahoma Tax Commission in Oklahoma City from 1991 to 2007.

Gina Wilson

Oklahoma Central Credit Union President/CEO Gina Wilson builds out her legacy—so far—with 30 years’ experience in the credit union movement.

She’s very active throughout the credit union community and serves on many boards and committees, including Cornerstone League, CUSC, Jenks Board of Adjustment, and Oklahoma State Banking Department.

When we talk about leaving a legacy, we know it’s not something that happens overnight; it’s a years-long journey. Some of the most important aspects of Wilson’s work can be encapsulated in her comments about the credit union community:

“The leaders of tomorrow must keep at the forefront of any action or decision. The original purpose of credit unions is no different today than it was back in 1909—it’s people helping people first and always. To lose sight of this principle lends itself to giving up the good fight of keeping our industry relevant.”

When asked about the importance of fostering relationships with other credit union leaders and how those relationships have enriched her career, Wilson said, “We are cooperative by our spirit and mission; it is what defines us. Becoming a CEO 20 years ago at a relatively young age with little to no experience at this level of leadership, I cannot fathom getting where I am without the help of other leaders. Today, those leaders are dear friends. I am grateful and blessed to have had many opportunities to serve with them in this great industry.”