Authentic outreach

As associate vice president of engagement and public relations at Greater Texas Federal Credit Union in Austin, Rachel Bond’s work life revolves around investing in the community and building relationships with organizations and members.

It’s something she’s gotten good at since 2006, when she joined the $969 million asset credit union as business development officer.

“Credit unions demonstrate that they're good stewards of members’ money by investing in and supporting the communities where we live and work,” Bond says. “Community engagement and outreach are about serving the community, meeting them where they're at, and uplifting each other to make the community better for everyone.”

That mindset earned Bond the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council’s 2023 Community Outreach Professional of the Year Award.

“There are a ton of amazing individuals who share this space of community outreach and engagement,” she says. “People tell me I have a heart of service. That comes from my faith and my baseline of loving all people. When you serve and you care so much, you never really turn it off. I’m blessed to work at a credit union that saw that value and encourages it.”

Bond’s personal, organizational, and community-centered focus allows her to approach outreach efforts with authenticity.

“We do things because they’re the right things to do, not for publicity,” says Bond, who helped found and build the credit union’s financial empowerment program.

Community investments take a variety of forms. Greater Texas Federal’s Greater Good Volunteer Program gives all full-time employees 16 hours of volunteer time per year, while part-time employees receive eight hours.

“Employees get a chance to connect with each other and our executive team as they volunteer side-by-side,” Bond says. “Our CEO, Howard Baker, loves to be out in the community. These volunteer projects are a great opportunity for people to get to know him, hear his heart of service, and learn why our credit union wants to invest in the community.”

One of her favorite programs has been the Austin Disaster Relief Network, which assists people in the wake of natural disasters. She also enjoys teaming up with area credit unions to work on the House that Credit Unions Built through the Austin Habitat for Humanity.

“When we’re approached for community partnerships, sponsorships, or donations, we make sure they align with our core values and our members’ core values,” Bond says. “We want to be good stewards of our members’ money, and support what our members support.

“We don't view community partnerships as transactional,” she continues. “They should be mutually beneficial. Your investments go further when you make a connection and build relationships.”