Steve Sercu

For more than 44 years, Steve Sercu has been a driving force behind the growth, stability, and success of University Credit Union. Joining UCU in 1982 and serving through more than half of the organization's 75-year history, Steve devoted his career to advancing the credit union mission through innovation, servant leadership, and an unwavering commitment to members. While many of his contributions occurred behind the scenes, their impact continues to shape the organization today. Steve's career exemplifies the spirit of an Unsung Hero in the Credit Union Movement.

 

As Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Steve led the modernization of UCU's technology platform over four decades of rapid industry change. He successfully guided the credit union through multiple core system conversions, digital banking transformations, lending origination implementations, telecommunications upgrades, AI-enabled contact center capabilities, and numerous process automation initiatives. His ability to anticipate changing member expectations ensured UCU continuously improved accessibility, service delivery, efficiency, and operational resilience. Long before digital transformation became an industry priority, Steve understood technology's role in strengthening the member experience while preserving the personal connections that define credit unions. Steve's leadership was most evident during periods of significant change. Throughout his tenure, he successfully helped guide UCU through three mergers, multiple major technology conversions, and three CEO transitions. These pivotal moments required both strategic vision and steady execution. Colleagues consistently relied on his deep institutional knowledge, calm leadership, and ability to navigate complex challenges without losing sight of the organization's core purpose and member commitment.

 

Equally significant is Steve's impact on people. He built and developed a high-performing technology organization while mentoring a generation of credit union professionals and leaders. Employees describe him as approachable, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in the success of others. He possessed a rare leadership style: knowing when to step forward and when to empower others to lead. Under his guidance, team members gained confidence, developed new skills, and advanced their careers.

 

One longtime direct report summarized Steve's influence best: "Steve mentored a generation of professionals without ever seeking recognition for himself. Approachable, thoughtful, caring, and genuinely invested in his colleagues and members, he empowered those around him to learn, contribute, and advance." That humility and dedication exemplify why Steve is so deserving of this recognition.

 

Perhaps the clearest measure of Steve's legacy is the institution he helped build. When he joined UCU in 1982, the credit union had approximately $24 million in assets. Today, UCU exceeds $1.2 billion in assets. While many contributed to that growth, Steve played a critical role in creating the technology infrastructure, operational capabilities, and leadership culture necessary to support an increasingly complex and growing organization. The systems, processes, and leaders he helped develop will continue benefiting members long after his retirement. Throughout his career, Steve consistently embodied the cooperative values of integrity, accountability, service, and people helping people. His work was never about personal recognition. Instead, it was a labor of love devoted to improving the lives of members, strengthening the credit union, and investing in future leaders. For his extraordinary innovation, mentorship, resilience, lasting legacy, and decades of selfless service, Steve Sercu is highly deserving of recognition as an ACUM Unsung Hero.