Member Spotlight: Chris Phillips

CUNA Councils
July 19, 2010 | COMMENTS

Chris Phillips is director of marketing for Land of Lincoln Credit Union in Decatur, Illinois. Born in Taiwan, Chris moved to the United States with his family when he was an infant. He grew up in several places, including Guam, Chicago, Plano, Texas, and Columbia, Illinois, about ten minutes away from St. Louis.

With a degree in marketing from Millikin University, Chris has worked as director of marketing for a nationwide buying group, SIU Credit Union, and several printers. He currently serves on the Greater Decatur Chapter of Credit Union's Board, the 501 Club Board, the Programming Advisory Committee for the Kirkland Fine Arts Center, and is also an ambassador for the Decatur Chamber of Commerce.

Biggest challenge

I think, like most credit unions, we have an aging population and membership. The markets we are in aren't really growing and attracting a younger demographic.

Best advice

Don't limit yourself. I talk to people everyday who want to accomplish things in their life, but are afraid to fail. I really believe that most people have endless potential and are only limited by

fear of trying something new.

Greatest benefit of Council membership

The ideas! The Council is a tremendous resource for us marketers, and it provides a great outlet to run concepts with people in the know.

Best part of my job

If we think it, we can build it. Working with a mid-size credit union offers us great flexibility and the opportunity to take a concept from idea to fruition very quickly.

Hardest part of my job

Trying to please everyone all of the time. Staff, the membership, your boss all have different ideas about what marketing should and can be. The thing to remember is that you're never going to make everyone happy, so you basically have to follow what you think is right.

Success story

Winning a CMBDC Diamond Award for our new logo design and development.

Biggest misconception about my job

Everyone in the place thinks they can do it! According to most people, it's simply a matter of running a few ads, coordinating the annual meeting, and picking out a few shirts. But as most of us know, it's a lot more than that. It's truly an expertise that is difficult to put into simple numbers.

Hobbies and interests

I love playing guitar, comic books, blogging, stand-up comedy, and watching movies.

Life goal not yet accomplished

Work with my friends and write a screenplay.

Something that always makes me laugh

A grasshopper walks into a bar. The bartender says “Hey, we've got a drink named after you.” The grasshopper looks up and says, “You've got a drink named Steve?” Oh, and people falling off bicycles.

Favorite quote

“Whether you think you can or can't, you're probably right.”

Musical favorites

Lenka, TV on the Radio, Coldplay and Jason Mraz.

If I could spend a day with anyone it would be...

Prince—he's a tremendous musician and I've always loved his music. Maybe we could play some pickup basketball.

How I would explain the credit union difference to a potential member

I think I would simply explain that credit union people care. That's not just lip service. It really is part of what we do. We're not in it to make money, only help you take better care of yours.