Empowering Impact
Empowering Impact is The Foundation’s podcast highlighting the impact of the credit union system on people’s financial lives. Here we’ll talk with credit union leaders who are and have made an outstanding impact on the credit union system. These stories of impact are available because of supporters like you who believe in the work of The Foundation and our mission to improve people’s financial lives! Together we make all the difference.
Empowering Impact
Christopher Morris
In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Morris, Vice President of Councils at America’s Credit Unions and long-time credit union advocate, to explore his impactful journey across the credit union system.
Christopher shares how he began his career in 2005 at the Foundation after moving from Chicago to Madison, originally intending to become a high school English teacher. What began as a temporary job quickly turned into a calling, sparked by his early experience in the Development Education (DE) program and a deep connection to the mission of helping others. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to connecting people, amplifying the credit union philosophy, and fostering a sense of purpose among credit union professionals.
He speaks about what empowers him: the genuine kindness of the people within the movement, the philosophy of “people helping people,” and his personal motivation rooted in gratitude. Having grown up in poverty, he finds meaning in supporting those who, like his younger self, benefit from the financial guidance and services that credit unions provide. His longstanding commitment to volunteerism—organizing monthly community service outings since 2014—is a testament to that mission.
Christopher also shares how DE training shaped his career, inspiring projects like co-founding the credit union rock band The Disclosures, and later organizing local volunteer groups to bring the development issues to life. He describes DEs as the evangelists of the movement, keeping the flame of credit union philosophy alive and thriving.
He offers heartfelt advice to young professionals, encouraging them to go through DE to understand the deeper “why” behind credit unions and to build meaningful, lasting connections.
He closes with reflections on the importance of kindness, integrity, personal growth, and staying true to the credit union mission. Quoting Louise Herring—“Try to get big without getting biggity”—he emphasizes the need for credit unions to grow while remaining grounded in their purpose.
Tune in for a conversation that celebrates community, personal growth, and the enduring power of the credit union philosophy.
Together, we can make all the difference. Until next time, your National Credit Union Foundation.
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