The value of a strong internal hiring system can be seen in the leadership of North
Jersey Federal Credit Union. The credit union’s chief executive, Lourdes Cortez, has
been with the credit union for more than 20 years, starting out as a teller. From that
entry-level position, Cortez worked her way into management. Along the way, she
held jobs in almost every department (skipping only accounting) and got to know the
organization’s members (credit union customers) firsthand. Explaining her strengths,
Cortez says, “Having worked my way up at the credit union absolutely gives me a
number of different perspectives. I’ve worked in every department, so I have respect
for employees in those positions, and I relate better to membership because I’ve dealt
with them on a one-on-one basis.