Profile: Rich Harries, Access Credit Union

Rich Harries  MBA, ICD.D, FCUIC 

Chief Operating Officer, Access Credit Union 

Career: 

Start in credit union system:  2002 

Rich’s first exposure to the credit union system came from work experience in high school. In university, he formally joined a credit union as an MSR, and from there progressed through various branch roles, eventually becoming a Branch and Regional Manager.

Since then, Rich spent time in a corporate management role focused on governance, community relations and specialty lending, before becoming VP of Retail.

In September 2013, he joined Access Credit Union as VP of Branch Operations, and has been in the Chief Operating Officer role since January 2018. 

A typical day: 

Rich says some days it feels like he is only answering emails! He spends most of his day focused on strategic opportunities for the credit union in the next 3+ years. He also meets with direct reports and teams on strategy, personal development and coaching, as well as meeting regularly with various stakeholders from the community and credit union membership. 

Keys to success:

Rich says his keys to success are a willingness to take risks and trusting his instincts. He says he sets goals and makes plans to achieve them, and focuses on personal and professional development, taking ownership of his career. As well, Rich says he seizes opportunities provided to him, even if they don't appear logical in the short term.