Credit Union Career Profile: Kelli Zeiler, Fusion Credit Union

Kelli Zeiler  

Manager of Talent, Learning and Development, Fusion Credit Union 

Career: 

Start in the credit union system: 2012 

In high school, Kelli wanted to become a teacher and even went to university for a semester before realizing this path wasn’t the right fit.  

Kelli began her career in the Manitoba credit union system in 2012, joining Dauphin Plains Credit Union as an Executive Assistant. In 2013, the credit union merged to form Catalyst Credit Union, and in 2017 she stepped into the role of Human Resource Manager.  

Following another merger in 2018, Catalyst became Fusion Credit Union, where Kelli has served as the Manager of Talent, Learning and Development ever since. She describes her career within the credit union system as the most fulfilling work she’s done, adding “You can definitely call me a lifer”. 

A typical day: 

Kelli says every day is truly different, and that variety is something she enjoys. Although she’s often juggling a range of responsibilities, her top priority is supporting employees whenever they need her. As Fusion’s change practitioner, she also plays an active role in high-priority organizational projects, which keeps her schedule full and her work engaging.   

Continuous learning and improvement: 

Kelli is dedicated to continuous growth, actively seeking out opportunities that both challenge and inspire her. By engaging in cross‑functional projects, she expands her skill set and gains a deeper understanding of the credit union as a whole. 

Keys to success: 

Kelli strives to continuously prove herself through her work, demonstrating persistence and commitment in everything she takes on. She focuses on building trust by being dependable, transparent, and results oriented. This approach has allowed her to earn credibility, strengthen relationships, and positively contribute to team and organizational success. 

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders: 

For young leaders, Kelli recommends resources that encourage reflection, build practical skills, and support continuous growth. She’s currently enjoying The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest. She also highly recommends the eLeadership Academy, which offers a variety of leadership-focused courses that are both practical and engaging – making it an excellent resource for developing confidence, capability, and self-awarenessawareness as a leader. 

Guiding principles: 

The principles that guide Kelli are motivation, persistence, trust, and continuous learning. She believes trust is earned over time by being reliable, accountable, and open to collaboration. Above all, she values connection and community, and she’s driven to contribute to the success of others and the credit union system. 

CUYLM participation: 

Kelli served on the CUYLM Executive Committee from 2023 to 2025, an experience she says had a meaningful impact on her career progression. CUYLM gave her valuable opportunities to connect and collaborate with like‑minded individuals across the broader credit union system. She credits the program with helping her build confidence, expand her network, and develop relationships and experiences that played an important role in both her personal and professional growth.