Brett Fisher’s ascent to the chief financial officer position at Skyla Credit Union, with assets totaling $1.6 billion, is a testament to the power of networking and strategic learning. His journey is not only inspiring but also a practical example of how engaging with the right professional circles can lead to significant career advancements.
Fisher’s initial foray into the Finance Council was marked by a sense of intimidation. He likened his experience to being the least skilled player on a professional baseball team, surrounded by seasoned CFOs with extensive résumés. Yet, this environment of high achievers was precisely what Fisher needed. ‘You get better just by being around higher-caliber individuals,’ he reflects.
Today, Fisher is not only Skyla’s CFO but also chairs the Finance Council Conference Planning Committee and serves as vice chair of the Council’s executive committee. He attributes his rapid career progression to the support and mentorship he received from the Finance Council’s veterans. ‘Becoming a CFO at a $1.6 billion credit union at my age feels like a lifetime achievement,’ Fisher admits.
Building Confidence Among Industry All-Stars
Fisher’s strategic move upon joining the Finance Council in 2019 was to volunteer for the Finance Council’s Conference Planning Committee. This involvement forced him to engage with 10 to 15 finance leaders regularly, compelling him to voice his ideas and gradually realize that these industry titans were not only approachable but also eager to share their insights. The experience honed his presentation skills, accelerated his decision-making capabilities, and expanded his professional network.
The accessibility of these industry leaders is genuine, as Fisher experienced firsthand. Following the May 2025 Finance Council Conference, he received a flurry of follow-up emails seeking his input and templates. ‘We’re full of experience for the betterment of our industry,’ he emphasizes.
Realizing Seven-Figure Opportunities
The impact of this network was evident when Skyla’s finance team navigated the conversion of Visa’s Class B shares. This conversion allowed credit unions to exchange restricted shares for a mix of tradable stock classes. The potential proceeds from such conversions can be substantial, reaching seven or eight figures. However, understanding the complexities involved required knowledge of GAAP entries, litigation risks, and NCUA capital treatment.
‘I would not have known how to navigate that process without Councils,’ Fisher confesses. The Finance Council provided crucial online resources, including community forum discussions and member-shared checklists, which guided Skyla’s finance team through the intricate process.
Benefits Beyond the CFO’s Office
Fisher identifies three key areas where the Finance Council’s influence extends beyond his personal career growth:
1. Faster strategic pivots. Peer-shared models enabled Skyla to reduce decision-making cycles for derivatives and Visa-stock monetization, keeping the credit union ahead of market trends.
2. Stronger talent bench. By leading the conference committee, Fisher provides emerging voices within Skyla a platform, encouraging high-potential analysts to remain engaged and motivated.
3. Member-level value. The additional capital from the Visa conversion now funds digital upgrades and competitive rate offers that directly benefit Skyla’s members.
‘Councils filled the collaboration void I felt after leaving the examiner’s circuit,’ Fisher notes. The annual Finance Council Conference has become an essential investment in his professional development and Skyla’s growth.
Fisher advises others to follow a proactive approach: ‘Sit in the back row and stay quiet, and you’ll restrict what you get out.’ He encourages early volunteering on committees, leveraging conference networking opportunities, and actively participating in forum discussions. These strategies not only build credibility but also open doors to invaluable resources.
Whether you’re an established CFO or an aspiring analyst, Fisher’s experience highlights how the Finance Council transforms membership into both personal growth and institutional success. Explore the full range of Finance Council benefits and see how it connects eight professional disciplines into one cohesive learning community.
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.americascreditunions.org/blogs/americas-credit-unions/worst-player-c-suite-all-star-brett-fisher-shows-how-finance-council. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.