Tell us a little about your business. – Cobalt Credit Union (cobaltcu.com) was founded in 1946, when 12 individuals came together to support military personnel and their families connected to Offutt Air Force Base. That small, purpose-driven beginning laid the foundation for what has become a trusted financial partner in our community for the past 80 years. The values of service, discipline, and trust continue to guide us today, both in how we support military members and their families and how we serve our broader community. During the government shutdown, we provided more than $500,000 in zero-interest loans to support members facing financial uncertainty. We also stay closely connected through leadership roles and partnerships with organizations like the Defense Credit Union Council and the Offutt Advisory Council.
How did you get started in the business? – We’ve evolved significantly, but we’ve stayed grounded in our purpose. I’ve been with Cobalt for 37 years, and I started working in banking when I was 16. I remember when ATMs were first introduced and thinking, “who is going to use that?” We’ve combined technology with a strong focus on financial education and personal service. Whether a member is using mobile banking, voice banking (Coby), or sitting down with one of our team members, they’re getting both access and guidance.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Staying ahead of the rapidly evolving fraud landscape and ensuring our members are informed and protected. We provide ongoing updates to our members on emerging fraud and prevention strategies through seminars, social media, emails, our website, and messaging. We are expanding our efforts by launching “Lunch and Learn” sessions to give members the opportunity to better understand current fraud risks and how to protect themselves.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Recognizing the impact we can have on our members and the community. That realization shifted my focus beyond traditional measures of success to something more meaningful, helping people navigate their financial journeys with confidence. Whether it’s supporting members during times of uncertainty, providing assistance during a government shutdown, helping individuals achieve homeownership through options like no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) programs, offering professional loans that support young adults as they begin their careers, or creating opportunities to build financial stability through products like our Prime Money Market and Online Prime Savings accounts, it all comes back to meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you or Cobalt that most people probably don’t know? – One thing many people don’t realize is that you don’t have to be in the military to join Cobalt Credit Union. While we were founded with strong military roots, today we serve a much broader community. Joining Cobalt is also a great opportunity to help people understand the credit union difference. We offer the same products and services you would expect from a traditional bank, but as a not-for-profit financial cooperative, our focus is on returning value to you. That means more competitive loan rates, better savings options and a more personalized experience.
Who inspires you? – Seeing how access to tools and education can truly change someone’s path. That’s why we continue to invest in financial education, including launching Banzai, which supports individuals at every stage of life, from students in local schools to college students and adults. I’m also inspired by our employees, who bring that same level of care and commitment to every interaction.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – To learn more about Cobalt Credit Union, visit cobaltcu.com.