A credit union leader making a difference before 40

Melissa Skutley has spent over two decades helping people through credit unions, with most of that time at Redwood Credit Union in Northern California. At 39, she recently earned a spot among the region’s top young professionals. Her journey started in branches across Northern California, giving her firsthand experience with different communities and their financial needs. Leading isn’t just about managing tasks for Skutley—it’s about understanding people. She believes empathy and real connections matter more than just rules and procedures. This approach helps her team adapt to change while keeping service at the heart of what they do. But being a young leader isn’t always easy. Some people doubt her experience because of her age, forcing her to prove herself through consistent action rather than titles.Beyond her job, Skutley takes financial education seriously. As a certified counselor, she helps people manage money better, especially in communities that often get overlooked. She also volunteers a lot—organizing events like shredding days for old documents and leading local Earth Day cleanups. These efforts show how she balances work with giving back. The financial world moves fast, and Skutley knows it. Keeping up with new trends while supporting her team is a constant challenge. She focuses on clear communication and trust, making sure her team stays motivated even when things get tough. Her advice? Lead with honesty and never stop learning.