What’s Inside?
In this episode of The Eltropy Exchange, Michael Pupil sits down with Brian Waldron, President and CEO of Dort Financial Credit Union, for a candid and energetic conversation about leadership, culture, and the future of the credit union industry. Brian shares his inspiring journey, from a chance encounter with a student-run credit union in college to leading a multi-billion-dollar institution today.
The conversation explores Brian’s leadership philosophy, highlighting why a culture of trust and transparency is non-negotiable for success. He explains how a data-backed approach to communication helps build a strong, cohesive team. The conversation also explores Dort Financial’s strategic growth, including its recent acquisition of a bank in Florida , and why taking bold, non-traditional moves is essential for credit unions looking to thrive in an uncertain market. Brian discusses his commitment to employee well-being , emphasizing that preparing the next generation of leaders is a core obligation for CEOs across the industry. This episode is a masterclass in empathetic leadership, showing how a focus on people—both employees and the community—is the ultimate driver of growth and member loyalty.
- Brian Waldron, Community Banking, Credit Union Culture, Credit Union Leadership, Credit Union M&A, Dort Financial Credit Union, Eltropy Exchange, Employee Engagement, Michael Pupil, Strategic Growth
Brian Waldron
President and CEO, Dort Financial Credit Union
Brian Waldron is the President/CEO of Dort Financial Credit Union, a $2.3 billion credit union in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Mr. Waldron joined Dort Financial in March of 2022 from Hudson Valley Credit Union, a $7B institution located in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was serving as the Senior Vice President of Lending (CLO). Previous to Hudson Valley, Mr. Waldron was the Chief Lending Officer for Scott Credit union in Edwardsville, IL. He has more than 20 years of professional lending and operational experience in the credit union industry and has dedicated his career to the credit union mission of “people helping people”. He is passionate about the fueling growth of the credit union movement by investing in employees! Waldron has been an invited speaker and panelist at several conferences and podcasts, including NAFCU, CULYtics, ACUMA, the Mortgage Coach, Tumblr, and very recently our very own Eltropy Leadership Summit. He is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, OH. He currently resides in Clarkston, Michigan with his wife Alicia, three boys (Bryce, Cody and Ethan), and four dogs (Lucky, Oliver, Charlotte, and Penny). In his spare time he enjoys boating, spending time on Lake Michigan, and traveling!
