MCUL's Team Behind the Scenes: Vanessa Marvin
MCUL's Team Behind the Scenes is an article series running through the end of the year that's designed to give the Michigan credit union community more insight into the people who make up our dedicated team.
What 
was your first job?
I was a pooper scooper! I grew up in Middlebury, Indiana where there is a big Amish community. The business next door to my childhood home paid me for cleaning up any messes left in their parking lot by the frequent horse and buggies that would visit there. $1 per scoop!
What is your favorite project to work on at MCUL?
I love connecting people. That's my favorite part of what I get to do in my role; helping connect people to each other or to helpful resources that will benefit them.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist. Specifically, I wanted to design greeting cards for Hallmark. As a kid, one of my favorite things at the grocery store was heading to the greeting card aisle to read through the cards. I loved seeing how the perfect blend of words and images could be either hilarious or heartwarming or, best of all, both.
Who has been a major influence in your career and why?
George McNicols, the former CEO of the first credit union I worked for. He hired me straight out of college when I didn't even know what a credit union was. He created an environment where my thoughts as a young professional were not only heard but encouraged, and in turn, fostered a culture of open dialogue and innovation. He entrusted me with numerous opportunities to dive deep into the credit union industry and facilitate real changes within the organization, which accelerated my learning and gave me a sense of ownership stake in our mission. His leadership taught me the importance of valuing diverse perspectives, empowering employees and fostering a culture of growth.
Is there a book or podcast that has inspired you recently?
Recently, I've gained a lot of helpful insights from the Think Fast Talk Smart podcast. Communication is critical to success in business and life and this podcast is all about providing tools and techniques to help you communicate more effectively.
What does a perfect day off look like for you?
Doing anything active and outdoors with my husband and kids. One of the best things about Michigan is the plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities. We love biking, hiking and pickleball the most. But first, coffee! Always!
Do you have any big plans for 2025?
My husband and I have agreed to follow Kevin's Rule in 2025 (Google it)! Basically, you schedule a mini adventure (something you wouldn't normally do) every other month. If you follow this rule from age 30-70, you'll have 240 mini-adventures you otherwise wouldn't have. Sounds easy, but it does take intentional planning!
What’s your favorite thing about the holiday season?
My favorite thing about this season is spending time together with family and making new traditions with my kids.
What do you love about the credit union movement?
What I love most about the credit union movement is its unwavering commitment to people over profit and the genuine focus on empowering members and communities rather than maximizing financial gain.
When every decision is made with members’ best interests in mind, it fosters trust and builds lasting relationships. I’m inspired by the collaboration within the movement, where credit unions work together to elevate each other and share resources for a common cause, consistently innovating to meet members' needs while staying true to core principles. I've also personally experienced incredible opportunities for professional growth, through leaders who valued my ideas and supported my learning. This culture of mentorship and community impact makes credit unions far more than financial institutions — they’re community-driven organizations dedicated to building a better financial future for everyone. What a privilege to work in this industry!
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