RE: CEO Leadership In Action

Credit Union: Audubon Federal Credit Union

Location: Owensboro, KY

Asset Size: $30.2 Million

Field of Membership: Community Charter

CEO: Jessica Higdon

The $30.2 million Asset-sized Audubon Federal Credit Union (Audubon FCU) headquartered in Owensboro, KY is a community-chartered credit union with over 2,500 members. In 1988, the institution changed its name to Audubon FCU when the membership transitioned to serving businesses and other organizations. Currently, Audubon FCU is comprised primarily of those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Daviess County, KY as well as businesses and organizations that are in the same county.

Under the leadership of CEO Jessica Higdon, Audubon FCU has seen a period of substantial growth and modernization. Jessica began her tenure as CEO of Audubon FCU in October 2020, bringing over a decade of experience in financial services. Previously serving as COO, her leadership has been characterized by strong focus on member service, community engagement, and the utilization of advanced technologies.

Some of the CEO’s key initiatives include:

1. Technology Upgrades: Higdon spearheaded the implementation of innovative digital banking solutions that include, the ability to open accounts online, mobile wallet, a texting platform member can connect with the staff through, a community focused updated website and improved cybersecurity measures to protect member data. These upgrades significantly improved member access to services and streamlined internal operations.
2. Financial Education took on more importance to empower members with the knowledge to manage their finances more effectively. A Youth Program focused on giving parents “real life” opportunities to not just prepare their children to save, but to lay a solid credit foundation and understand the importance of their credit. Audubon FCU offers businesses the opportunity to add a Financial Wellness Program to their portfolio of employee benefits free of cost through Audubon FCU.
3. Community Engagement: Realizing the credit union’s role in the community, Higdon has led efforts to increase involvement in local events and sponsorships. Higdon’s first year began with supporting the local “Cover the Cruiser” event by the KY State Police for Special Olympics (which in April of 2024 was hosted at their branch), working with Sunrise Children’s Services each Christmas season staff and members purchase gifts for children and teens in foster care. Supporting the local St. Jude’s fundraiser each spring too has become a tradition. 2024 was the first year adopting a school through Junior Achievement.
4. Membership Growth: The credit union leveraged and targeted marketing campaigns with a focus on member satisfaction, adding products and services people now consider a necessity have produced steady growth in membership.
5. Sustainability Initiatives: CEO Higdon also made sustainability a priority by implementing eco-friendly practices within the credit union. Not only in a reduction of paper usage through digital means but also through green initiative loans for our community.

Jessica Higdon’s impact on the well-capitalized Audubon FCU extends beyond financial measures. Her leadership fostered a culture of innovation, community support, and member-centric service. Jessica, who was still in her thirties, when she accepted her leadership role, looked through the eyes of a young adult with a family to transform the credit union into a modern, relevant financial institution while maintaining its core values of trust and community service. CEO Higdon’s future plans for innovation and continued community involvement will strengthen and build upon the solid foundation laid by those first responders in 1956.