Member Spotlight: Carl Roer

CUNA Councils
July 5, 2007

Carl Roer is a native of the Pacific Northwest, with a BA in history from Claremont McKenna College and an MBA from Seattle Pacific University (he's also a CPA). Carl has worked in the credit union field for 25 years—with only two credit unions. He spent his first 23 years with Seattle Telco/Watermark Credit Union and for the last two he has been vice president of lending at Sound Credit Union in Tacoma.

Biggest challenge for 2007

Maintaining interest margins. We have had to raise deposit rates in order to attract funds, while it's a challenge to increase loan yields given the intense competition.

Best advice

I have found it most helpful to develop a network of knowledgeable credit union lending professionals and bounce ideas off them, ask questions, and share information.

Greatest benefit of Council membership

The Listserv is very helpful. The topics and comments are often interesting and valuable. I found that attending the CUNA Lending Council Conference is a valuable experience, where I picked up ideas we were able to implement, made new friends, and had fun too.

Best part of my job

The creativity. I enjoy rolling out a new product, technology, or marketing campaign. If it works, there is satisfaction in contributing to the success of the credit union, and also enhancing member service. Sound Credit Union has a great team environment, which helps facilitate success. To whatever extent I have been able to mentor others, I also find that fulfilling.

Hardest part of my job

I find the personnel part of the job the most challenging.

Success story

On one day, we implemented the Streamlend loan origination system, open-end lending, centralized lending, and debt cancellation. And it all worked!

Hobbies and interests

I enjoy hiking the amazing trails of the Pacific Northwest . But it always rains, so don't move here.

People would be most surprised to learn that . . .

I went to college with Robin Williams.

Recent book

Clemente by David Maraniss, about the life of the great Pittsburgh Pirate baseball player Roberto Clemente. The book does an excellent job of describing the challenges he faced as the first Latin superstar.

Life goal not yet accomplished

Doing the "STP" bike ride ( Seattle to Portland ).

Something that always makes me laugh

My son.

If I had an extra hour in the day . . .

I would sleep! I commute between Seattle and Tacoma , which can make for some long days.