Member Spotlight: Robert Reh

CUNA Councils
June 11, 2009 | COMMENTS

Robert Reh is a native Long Islander and chief information officer for Nassau Financial Federal Credit Union in Westbury, New York. Coming up through the ranks of EDP he did everything from cleaning out keypunch machines to operating mainframes, programming and systems design, and general management.

“I spent about 15 years as a management consultant, handling various projects and doing business development for several consulting firms,” says Robert. “I also taught a few courses at a local university.”

He has worked in a wide variety of industries, mostly installing MRP and ERP systems. He joined the credit union industry five years ago when he hired on with Nassau Financial Federal Credit Union.

Robert and his wife have a daughter and two grandchildren, who also live on Long Island.

Biggest challenge

The economy and stabilization costs are big challenges right now, but the ever-changing world of technology and getting members to adapt and accept change and new ways of doing things is always a very big challenge—not in just using electronic services like Internet banking and e-statements, but even accepting a change in call flow in telephone banking.

Best advice

Persevere and stick to it until it's done, whatever it is, and don't let others get you down. Every aspect of your business relies on technology and sometimes problems are not foreseeable, although people seem to think IT has a crystal ball! Take pride in overcoming the challenges and in keeping the credit union operating.

Greatest benefit of Council membership

The nice people you get to know and all the help and support they can give you.

Best part of my job

Solving problems that others think are not solvable and beating deadlines while meeting or exceeding all objectives and expectations.

Hardest part of my job

The aforementioned reluctance of members to embrace or even try new technology, which would help all members by lowering costs.

Success story

Installed new branch accounting, BSA/AML, telephone banking, and other systems with no system problems before the deadline for each project, and moved new marketing initiatives forward through technical applications developed in-house.

Biggest misconception about my job

I hear way too often: "It's easy, just push a button" and "Why do we have to test, what could go wrong?" It's true that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Having a PC at home with canned software gives people who are not IT professionals the impression that computers and software are simple and everything should happen instantaneously and perfectly, and complain when it doesn't (which is just about always).

Hobbies and interests

Travel, reading, gardening, guns, chess, car maintenance and performance, and my most recent, motorcycling (yes, Grandpa is now a biker).

Recent book

The Ride of a Lifetime by Paul Teutal, Sr.

Life goal not yet accomplished

Retiring someday in good health and with enough resources to live well.

Favorite quote

“Carpe diem! Life is short—make the most of every moment.”

How I would explain the credit union difference to a potential new member

The personal service, the not-for-profit/owned-by-members status, and people helping people concepts are not just marketing hyperbole, but are real and can and do make a very real difference in our members' lives every day. Try us and you'll see!