By Sonya Pickens

Today, I retire from my job as an examiner and trainer for the National Credit Union Administration after 12,262 days. 

Along the way, I worked with some of the smartest, most talented, most passionate people out there, on both the regulator side of things and on the credit union side.
My NCUA mentors in New Orleans were the best. They, along with so many others at NCUA, tried their best to teach me how to be an examiner with a high degree of knowledge, integrity, – but equally as important – with common sense and humanity.
I had many “unofficial” mentors and teachers in the credit union industry. As a young examiner starting out in New Orleans, I was lucky to work with some of the most passionate, dedicated credit union people anywhere. People who embody the credit union philosophy of Not for Profit, Not for Charity, But for Service. I have seen the work they put into building safe, sound, strong, service-oriented financial institutions with incredible, service-oriented credit union staffs.

Living up to the Lessons
I am sure I haven’t been perfect as an examiner, nor as a trainer. But, I have sincerely tried to embody the lessons I learned from those who are passionate about credit unions and service to members.
I hope I lived up to the expectations of all those mentors and have made them proud.
I also tried my best to impart these lessons:
Our job is to create and maintain confidence in the US banking system, critical to maintaining our way of life and societal calm. 

Credit unions are so important as not-for-profit financial cooperatives, established to encourage thrift and provide a source of credit to people of modest means, and to ensure fair and equal access to financial services for all Americans.
Jobs That Mean Something
Our jobs at NCUA mean something. We have an important mission. The people we work with in credit-union-land are working hard every single day to serve their members. We support their mission by ensuring they operate in a safe and sound manner to limit the risk to the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, and follow not only the letter of consumer protection regulations, but also embrace the SPIRIT of those regulations meant to ensure an even playing field for all.
And yes, you can absolutely be a passionate, effective, efficient, firm if necessary, affable, amenable, and adaptable examiner, with some common sense and humanity. After all, we all have the same goal – sound financial institutions that provide excellent service to members.
Forever Grateful
At the end of today, I walk away from this life as an examiner and trainer. My hope is I have left behind me a string of examiners who embrace these truths, and will continue to serve credit unions and credit union members to the best of their ability – with fierce love and dedication.
I will be forever grateful to all of you out there in credit-union-land who showed me by example what it means to serve.
Sonya Pickens, CPA (Retired), CFE (Retired) has just retired as a National Training Specialist with NCUA.