Authentic Leadership, Community Impact, and the Future of Finance: A Conversation with Jerry Reed

At the 2024 Business Today International Conference, Jerry Reed, President and CEO of Member First Mortgage, shared his transformative leadership philosophy, the importance of integrating technology without compromising human values, and his vision for fostering community and opportunity through the credit union model. With his authentic and approachable leadership style, Reed has cultivated a workplace culture that prioritizes ethics, open communication, and meaningful relationships, setting a powerful example for business leaders across industries.

Reed’s leadership style was inspired by his early experiences in an industry defined by old-fashioned, rigid hierarchies. “I told myself, if I ever had the chance to lead, I wouldn’t follow that outdated model of yelling and intimidating,” he said. Reed’s focus on authenticity has shaped Member First Mortgage into a workplace where employees feel respected and empowered. “People call it authenticity, but to me, it’s just being myself,” he explained. “I treat everyone—whether they’re a receptionist or a senior executive—with the same respect because, at the end of the day, everyone wants to be treated well.”

This ethos is reflected in his open-door policy, which fosters genuine communication at all levels of the organization. Reed shared a recent example of an employee who felt comfortable approaching him to talk, emphasizing that this kind of approachability makes leadership more effective and human. “Titles don’t define how you should treat people,” he said.

Reed’s commitment to authenticity aligns with the mission of Member First Mortgage, which serves credit unions. Unlike traditional commercial banks, credit unions prioritize community impact and member service over profit. “Commercial banks see people as revenue streams, but credit unions contribute to the community and provide access to credit for people who might not otherwise have it,” Reed explained.

This philosophy resonates with Reed’s personal values, motivating him to create opportunities for people of all backgrounds. “I want to help people understand how to achieve their financial goals in the U.S.,” he said. Reed believes in reinforcing this culture by setting clear expectations for his executives and cultivating a collaborative decision-making process.

In an era of rapid technological advancement, Reed is keenly aware of the opportunities and risks posed by AI and other innovations. Member First Mortgage has been proactive in addressing cybersecurity, integrating advanced protections against ransomware and other threats. “We receive over 1,000 attacks a month,” Reed revealed. “While 99.9% are stopped, we continuously update our systems and require robust security reports from all vendors.”

Reed also highlighted the importance of balancing technological integration with job preservation. “Our goal isn’t to eliminate jobs but to use technology to avoid overhiring, ensuring we can keep people for the long term,” he said. By streamlining processes with AI, Member First Mortgage ensures efficiency while maintaining its commitment to employees.

Reed also shared exciting plans to collaborate with Princeton University on a scholarship program. The initiative aims to support students across various disciplines, reflecting his belief that education is a cornerstone for personal and professional growth. “We don’t care what degree you’re pursuing—what matters is that you’re pursuing one,” he said, emphasizing that a foundational understanding of technology is increasingly essential in today’s workforce.

Reed’s advocacy for education stems from his recognition of its transformative power. “If I could go back to my younger self, I’d emphasize the importance of understanding what it takes to live the life you want,” he said. His advice to students is simple but profound: combine a strong grounding in technology with a clear sense of purpose, and you’ll be prepared to navigate the challenges of the modern world.

Throughout his discussion, Reed’s authenticity and vision for Member First Mortgage shone through. By fostering a culture of respect, prioritizing community impact, and embracing technological innovation responsibly, he has built a company that exemplifies ethical leadership in the financial sector. For Reed, success is about more than profit—it’s about making a difference in people’s lives. For the students and executives at the Business Today International Conference, his message was clear: lead with authenticity, embrace innovation, and always prioritize the human element.