On August 27, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort traveled to Crane, Indiana, for an inside look at the financial industry during a visit to the Crane Credit Union Home Office. The experience gave students the opportunity to learn how a large financial institution operates while hearing directly from members of its leadership team.
The cohort met with Kevin Sparks, President and CEO; Stacy Lengacher, Vice President of Operations; and Mike Wiggington, Vice President of Information Technology. Each shared a different perspective on the financial industry and the skills needed to succeed in today's business environment.
Kevin emphasized Crane Credit Union's commitment to providing excellent service, particularly to young adults. He and his team also spent time discussing business plans, an important topic for the CEO students as they begin developing their own business ideas. The conversation reinforced the importance of having a well-thought-out plan before turning an idea into a business.
The students were introduced to several topics they may not encounter in a traditional classroom, including passkeys, ATM jackpotting, brand awareness through services such as Plaid, relationship development, and cybersecurity. The discussion demonstrated how quickly the financial industry continues to change and why employees must be willing to become lifelong learners.
The leadership team also stressed the importance of being able to think on your feet, adapt to new situations, and communicate effectively. Students were encouraged to begin building professional relationships early and to seek employers who invest in their employees through opportunities such as internships, continued education, and retirement matching programs.
Crane Credit Union's commitment to young people was especially impressive. The organization awarded 37 scholarships to high school students last year and offers a program that helps students financially for earning A's. These efforts demonstrate the credit union's investment in education and the next generation.
With more than 18 branches, over 200 employees, and more than 68,000 members, Crane Credit Union provided students with a look at the many career opportunities available within the financial industry.
Another important lesson was understanding the difference between a bank and a credit union. Students also learned about risk management and the important role financial institutions play in helping customers understand money, make informed decisions, and develop financial literacy.
Before leaving, the cohort received some hands-on exposure to the technology behind everyday banking, including an opportunity to interact with an ATM and learn more about how these systems operate.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort extends a sincere thank you to Kevin, Stacy, Mike, and the entire Crane Credit Union team for welcoming the students and sharing their knowledge. The visit provided valuable lessons about banking, technology, cybersecurity, education, relationships, and the importance of continuing to learn throughout a career.