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PATRICK LIVINGSTONPhotos by Paul StyronYoung Execs Build BondsCU Professionals and TheirIf they could be rock stars, BrandonMcAdams and Patrick Livingston seethemselves as long-lived stars that havespanned the ages with their work–MickJagger and Elton John, respectively,though McAdams is quick to add: “notin the leather pants.”McAdams and Livingston are employees withCoastal Federal Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C., andcreators of CUaware, which brings credit union professionalstogether to learn from each other and bridgethe knowledge gap between experienced veterans andthose who are new to the profession. It provides anopportunity to share ideas and contacts as well as successesand burdens, and take proactive steps to helpthe communities that credit unions serve.Part of helping those communities is to span generationsand to strive to engage Millenials, much asElton John does, according to Livingston, who is alsoCoastal Federal’s director of business transformation.He sees CUaware as a way to help credit unionemployees bridge the awareness gap with membersand prospective members. Unlike generations of thepast, Millenials typically aren’t brought up knowingthe services that financial institutions—particularlycredit unions—provide.It’s not only the typical checking, savings, and otheraccounts that credit unions bring to their communities,it’s the volunteerism in rescue missions, children’sgroups, and other similar community efforts,says Livingston. “A lot of the members don’t understandthe impact that credit unions are making intheir communities.”“If you’re not sacrificing for your community,you’re not doing your job as a credit union executive,”adds McAdams, Coastal Federal’s consumer lendingproduct development manager. “You have to care. Ifyou’re only in it for the paycheck, then you shouldget another job. You’re not going to get the happinessyou want if you’re not willing to sacrifice. Dedicationto the community adds a lot of value to what you do.”CUaware’s website (cuaware.org) offers informationabout local volunteerism and networking opportunitiesfor credit union participants to interact with38 CREDIT UNION MAGAZINE ROCK STARS OCTOBER 2013