MICHAEL POULOS:
 
MICHAEL POULOS




 
 
 
 
 
President and CEO, Michigan First Credit Union in Lathrup Village. He has been the president and CEO of three credit unions, having managed the $470 million Michigan First Credit Union (Lathrup Village) since 2000. Since Poulos has been CEO, the credit union has grown considerably in both asset size and number of members. Loans have increased by $160 million or 100 percent, and as a result, return on assets (ROA) has increased as well. Formerly known as the Detroit Teachers Credit Union, Michigan First was once the largest credit union in the world. Its membership now encompasses 44 communities. Poulos began his career in the credit union industry managing the Syracuse Postal Federal Credit Union. He has extensive experience and training in risk-based lending, sales, and service, and has successfully implemented these programs, creating financial stability and growth and improving ROA in every credit union he has managed. Poulos is a member of the Credit Union Executive Society and has attended numerous credit union training programs and conferences. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from LeMoyne College and his MBA from Russell Sage College.


WHERE BORN: "Cheyenne, Wyoming."

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: "Jesus Christ, who came to save mankind and sacrificially gave His life for all of us; and Winston Churchill, who displayed the highest form of human courage and leadership during a time of desperation – he stood up against evil despite all the odds."

LAST BOOK READ: "An autobiography of Winston Churchill."

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: "Visionary, big-picture type of person, supportive of the team, observant, driven, energetic, and having a good sense of humor."

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: "Credit unions that adapt to the marketplace will continue to grow in popularity and usage. Investing in people and technology to better serve members will help the credit union industry become a stronger competitor. At Michigan First, we have always been a leader in technology: we were the first credit union to use computers; and our MoneyWorks Banking Center, which we installed four years ago, can do everything an ATM does plus accept coins, scan checks, and cash checks to the penny. We have invested more than $1 million in technology for our branches and will continue to make investments to best serve our members."

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: "The Motorola Q. It keeps me organized and in contact."

FAVORITE PLACE: "Michigan."

FAVORITE HOBBIES: "I love golf. It’s a sport that gives me the opportunity to be out in nature and enjoy athletic fun while also giving me time to think and recharge."

FAVORITE FOOD: "Green olive pizza."

MY HIDDEN TALENT: "I am still searching for it."

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: "As a man of integrity, who faithfully served God as I walked this planet, and somehow made a difference in the lives of others."

Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.