As SVP/ Chief Administrative Officer, Jerry Saalsaa is a visionary, results-driven steward leader with deep marketplace knowledge. A 26-year veteran of the credit union industry, he has been a champion and active contributor to its advancement. His North Star is to “leave the credit union system and the people within it better than today.”
Jerry’s steward leadership mindset propels him to lead with people, values and profits front and center. Without the first two, the third is possible but not sustainable. He leads with a vision of CUES not only today but tomorrow. It’s a concept that is easy to imagine but more challenging to execute. Jerry’s breadth of experience in finance, technology, strategy, business development, and human resources has created a unique skill set, allowing him to lead CUES with a 50,000-foot to 500-foot view, resulting in improved efficiencies and increased sustainable profitability.
An empathetic and collaborative leader, Jerry embraces the diversity of thought and contributions from staff, acknowledging them as essential to strengthening the organization and driving membership growth. A devotee to personal and professional development, he is equally enthusiastic about mentoring and supporting the professional growth of his teams and individuals in the organization.
Jerry counts his family, including his wife of 21 years, Julie, and three children, Chloe, who is out of the nest and married; Naomi, who is heading to college in the fall of 2023; and Grady, who is still at home, as his proudest personal accomplishment. An avid Midwestern outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting, fishing and archery. He also enjoys the study of artificial intelligence as a passion project.
Jerry holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Upper Iowa University and has completed leadership courses from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; CUES CEO Institute program; The University of Virginia Darden School of Business; The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University; and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.