HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- As big a believer in credit unions as he isit may be hard to believe Redstone Federal Credit UnionPresident/CEO Gerald Toland got his start on "the dark side."

"I used to work for banks but I got tired of getting beat uptrying to do right by the customer so I started a consultingcompany and did some work with credit unions and promised myself ifI ever got back into that business that I wanted to be part of thecredit union movement," said Toland. "In the '80s I had anopportunity to do just that as President of IBM New JerseyEmployees FCU and never looked back--it has truly been a wonderfulexperience."

After some time in N.J. he also served at LA DOT Federal CreditUnion and The United Federal Credit Union until he jumped at thechance to head Redstone Federal Credit Union in 1991.

After over 16 years at Redstone FCU's helm, Toland, 69, isretiring effective May 31, 2007. Redstone FCU Executive VicePresident Operations/Technology Mike Goodman will serve as interimpresident until Toland's successor is named.

Under Toland's leadership Redstone FCU grew from a $579 millioncredit union with 149,000 members, to a $2 billion credit unionserving over 280,000 members.

"When I first got here I frankly fell in love with the area, itis a type of community that is so caring and giving ready to opentheir hearts and wallets to help others," said Toland. "The factthat we are recognized now as a leader in the community is one ofour greatest accomplishments."

Toland adds that getting Redstone FCU to become a leader in thecommunity was a top priority from the start. Giving back is nothingnew to Toland who has been an active volunteer not only in thecredit union industry, but also in numerous local organizationsranging from the Better Business Bureau and Boys and Girls Club ofNorth Alabama, to the Huntsville Library Foundation andHuntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce, to being appointed byGovernor Bob Riley to the Alabama State Health CoordinatingCouncil.

"I've always been a firm believer that you can only get out of acommunity what you put in and it is a long term commitment to doinggood," said Toland. "The reward payback in just doing the rightthing has been returned to Redstone six-fold--from the chamber ofCommerce, Better Business Bureau to all the communities weserve--they all know our name and reputation as one of the leadingsponsors of community involvement and that is a very goodthing."

In addition to corporate sponsorships, Redstone FCU managers andstaffers donate their time to actually participate and lend a handwhere needed. Toland says that kind of dedication and level ofcaring is what makes for not only a great team, but a great workenvironment.

"We greet all new employees and tell them we are family and thatif they have a problem then we all have a problem and there isn'tanything that can't be fixed as long as we communicate," saidToland. "People are knocking on the door to come here because ofthat family atmosphere. I do a lot of walking around and havealways been accessible and the executive staff is accessible no oneis sitting in an ivory tower that employees are afraid to walk inand talk. I think if you give people the authority andresponsibility and make them accountable for their actions theyfeel better about contributing to the organization."

He says that he's sure once he leaves the credit union willcontinue to be very successful and grow. Besides the bankerattacks, one of the greatest challenges facing not just RedstoneFCU, but all credit unions, is attracting and connecting withyounger members.

"Young people don't always want to walk into a branch to findinformation or even pick up an application they want to be able todo business with us in ways that are most convenient for them, saidToland. "They want the option to conduct their business sitting attheir computer and be done with it so we have to have thetechnology and service to keep up with them and that is always achallenge."

As for the credit union industry, Toland says its past time forcredit unions to really share their story.

"We've forgotten to document the things that we do so peopledon't know who we are and all the good we do," said Toland. "Wedon't do enough to beat our own drum let consumers know we're stillmaking $100-$500 loans, offering free credit counseling orproviding affordable housing loans. We need to do a better job ofgetting the message of the credit union difference out."

He adds that it is the people not only at the credit union, butthe members as well, that make coming in everyday worthwhile.

"Members call me all the time needing help saying they were introuble and that challenge of what can I do to resolve this, havingthe authority and finding a way for us to say yes is one of thethings I'll miss most," said Toland.

So far he hasn't made retirement plans beyond building a newhome in Madison County with his wife Veronica and spending at leastthe next three weeks catching up with his 12-year oldgranddaughter. One thing he knows for sure is that he will continuehis efforts to give back to the community.

"I think working with kids is where it's at," said Toland. "If Ican help them become productive citizens when they get out ofschool then that would be my best contribution to thecommunity."

For his successor Toland's advice is simply "Listen to yourpeople. They have the ideas, shortcuts and they are smartfolks."

"The past 16 years have been an unparalleled and rewardingexperience for me," said Toland. "I am honored to have had theopportunity to help lead Redstone Federal Credit Union to where itis today. I could not have accomplished this without the support ofmy family, our outstanding board of directors, an extraordinarilydedicated staff, and all of the members of this credit union. Alongthe way, I've had the opportunity to work with many financialleaders here in Alabama and across the country. Many have becomegreat friends, and I look forward to sustaining these relationshipsin the years ahead."

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Editor's Note: Gerald Toland can be reached [email protected]