BRIDGETON, Mo. – The rise of Hubert Hoosman from teller and loan trainee to president/CEO of Vantage Credit Union was the subject of a recent profile. Hoosman started at the $450 million credit union 24 years ago and in 1994 was named CEO. Over the past 12 years, he has helped "totally retool" the credit union to become one of the most technologically advanced institutions in the region, he told the St. Louis Business Journal in a March 3 article. The credit union, which once served the education community, has grown to serve more than 85,000 members and opened 11 branches. Hoosman told the publication he is very proud of the branch in East St. Louis, which opened in November 2003 and has helped to serve lower-income residents. Vantage has made loans totaling $7million in the community. "It just goes to show you can make a difference in a blighted community," Hoosman said in the article. Rosie Holub, president/CEO of the Missouri Credit Union Association, described Hoosman as one who "is committed to the philosophy of helping people achieve financial independence and success" and pointed out Vantage adopting a CU in Louisiana that was unable to operate after Hurricane Katrina. Hoosman is chairman of the Missouri Credit Union Association and on the board of the African-American Credit Union Coalition.