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RMCU Board Member Spotlight: Chris Lemon

| Rocky Mountain Credit Union

Chris Lemon, a Plant Manager for Johns Manville, has been one of RMCU’s valued board members for over five years. As a respected resident of Butte, he knows what it means to be a part of the community. 

RMCU’s board of directors is a group of volunteers elected by members to represent their interests and govern the not-for-profit organization. 

Chris’ current position as vice chair comes with its fair share of responsibility, from stepping in to preside over meetings when the chair is unavailable, to serving on special projects and attending board meetings. 

“I joined the Board after serving as a member of the volunteer supervisory committee, which on a high level works with external auditors to ensure the credit union is conducting its operations in a secure and responsible way, as well as ensuring compliance with all appropriate regulations,” he said. “What drew me to the board of directors was a growing interest in taking a more active volunteer role than that of the supervisory committee.”

Chris Lemon RMCU Board Member

 

Making a difference in the community

Chris values being part of an organization that positively affects individuals and the Montana communities of which RMCU is a part.

For Chris, it’s important for people to know the driving force behind RMCU, and what it means to be a member.

“[RMCU is] here to provide benefit and support to its members,” Chris said. “When RMCU has a good year, from a financial perspective, members of the credit union benefit, not large corporations.” 

Those considering making the switch to a community credit union from a big bank are in good hands with RMCU, according to Chris. “If you want a financial institution that’s focused on supporting your needs and the local community’s needs, your best option is a credit union,” Chris said.  

Belonging in Butte 

Chris lives in Butte, and spoke highly of  the community. “Over the years I’ve gotten to know Butte individuals and families and found that I appreciate their strong sense of community,” he said. 

“Also, I love the character and history of Butte,” Chris said. “Butte is a town that’s seen great times and hard times.There is so much potential in Butte for a brighter future and it feels like things are happening to make it a reality, which is exciting.”  

When he’s not crunching numbers, Chris loves to be outdoors and hike, fish, boat, swim, and hunt, taking advantage of all Montana has to offer. “We are blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world,” he said. 

He also enjoys spending time with his wife, two boys, and two dogs. 

How Chris serves on the credit union’s board

When you trust your money with a credit union, you have a dedicated board of volunteers with members like Chris protecting your assets and ensuring that your best interests are top of mind. 

The board's responsibilities include: 

  • Leadership and oversight: The board ensures that RMCU operates in accordance with sound business practices. 
  • Policy creation: The board develops policies for products and services and enforces policies to improve the economic well-being of the members. This includes setting loan rates and developing financial systems. 
  • Compliance: The board ensures that RMCU complies with all applicable laws, including state, county, and federal laws, as well as its bylaws. 
  • Strategic planning: The board uses its influence and authority to engage in strategic planning and acts as a partner with the CEO. 
  • Operations: The board handles the credit union's operations, including approving plans and budgets, and monitoring their implementation. The board also takes charge of the credit union's financial situation.

The value of personal finances, then and now

Chris learned the importance of finances at a young age. At only 13, he had a hard time spending the money he earned delivering newspapers. “One of the first things I wanted to buy once I had saved enough money was a Super Nintendo,” he said.

“The day came when I had enough money to buy one, and I struggled to spend the money because I felt like I had worked so hard for it, and maybe I should hold on to it for something else. What, I didn’t know,” Chris said. 

“I think I enjoyed using it more, knowing the work that went into purchasing it. The experience helped me better understand the amount of time and effort required to buy things you want,” he said.  

Now, he passes along the best piece of financial advice he’s received. “If you think a certain situation is too good to pass up, be very careful and think it through. It most likely isn’t. Future opportunities will always present themselves, and sometimes these unexpected challenges are ones we don’t want, like major home repairs or health issues.” 

Being prepared for the unexpected can go a long way to establishing financial security. Having an emergency fund in a secure savings account can be a good way to get started planning for those unwanted unexpected opportunities. 

Find your Montana financial community when you become a member* with RMCU. See if you qualify, and open your account. 

*Must qualify for membership. Some restrictions may apply. Each account is privately insured up to $250,000 by American Share Insurance. By member’s choice, this institution is not federally insured. 

Non RMCU links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Rocky Mountain Credit Union of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. RMCU bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external sites.

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