Jamie Kleve’s journey to the upper echelons of the professional world has been nothing short of inspirational. Despite not following a traditional path and facing obstacles along the way, she persevered and ultimately rose to a leadership position. Today, as the Chief Operating Officer at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union (SCFCU), she drives innovation, fosters inclusivity, and ensures operational excellence. She leads with passion and remains committed to the organization’s mission of serving communities.
“At SCFCU, my journey has been about seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and being surrounded by a team that believes in developing people to their full potential,” Jamie says.
The Unconventional Path to COO Position
Jamie’s path to becoming the COO at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, a leading credit union in the state of Minnesota, has been far from traditional, and it has been strewn with challenges.
For the better part of her career, she worked in non-leadership roles in IT, navigating promotions and setbacks with hard work and resilience. The turning point in Jamie’s career came in 2018. The organization where she had worked for 18 years was undergoing annual layoffs, and she was offered a voluntary separation package. “Though the decision was daunting as the primary income earner for my family, I knew it was time to step out of my comfort zone,” Jamie shares. “That choice became one of the scariest, yet most rewarding, decisions I’ve ever made.”
In early 2019, she interviewed with SCFCU. From the moment she walked through the doors, she was inspired by the people and their mission-driven culture. Jamie joined SCFCU as a Systems Analyst in July 2019.
Jamie points out that 2020 was a transformational year, as the credit union was undergoing a core conversion and integrating new vendors. This experience challenged her to grow rapidly, and, according to her, she thrived on the opportunity to contribute. In the summer of 2020, Jamie began reporting to then-COO, Theresa Tschumperlin, who quickly became an invaluable mentor. She not only believed in Jamie’s abilities but also helped her navigate the organization and develop as a leader. When Theresa left the organization in February 2022 for a CEO opportunity at another financial institution, SCFCU President & CEO Jed Meyer placed his trust in Jamie and promoted her to COO.
“This role has been a culmination of my hard work, the incredible mentorship I’ve received, and the mission-driven culture of SCFCU,” she says. “SCFCU’s values align perfectly with what I’ve always strived for – serving the community with heart and integrity.”
Dealing with Challenges
Jamie has encountered challenges throughout her career. Shortly after being promoted to COO, she faced the biggest challenge of her career – adopting a new style of working.
“I knew I was capable, but I also knew I had some work to do,” Jamie says. She explains that her natural work style is execution, which helped her excel in her career. However, after stepping into an executive role, she realized the importance of strategic thinking and the ability to move in and out of the details. “This is something I still work on daily, but I have made significant progress,” Jamie shares.
One of the tangible activities that has helped her to make progress is writing strategies. Jamie says that Jed has been an invaluable resource and mentor when it comes to creating strategies. “Additionally, being in higher level meetings and gaining exposure to cross-organizational items has been another natural way I’ve learned,” Jamie says.
The Proudest Achievement
Jamie considers the creation of the Cannabis Banking Program her proudest achievement to date. In late 2023, a member approached SCFCU about entering this space, prompting Jamie and her team to explore the need. They also assessed whether it aligned with their organization’s mission.
The team consulted with credit unions in states with legalized programs, BSA partners, and even a former regulator to gain a complete understanding of the challenges and opportunities. Jamie says that during one conversation, a credit union shared a story that “truly resonated” with them. They had observed a dispensary employee leaving work at closing time with a backpack, visibly nervous and scanning their surroundings; inside the backpack was reportedly a million dollars in cash. Jamie points out, “This story underscored a critical issue: these businesses lacked safe and secure options for managing their funds.”
“That moment solidified our commitment to stepping into this space,” she adds. “By providing banking services to cannabis businesses, we help keep their employees safe, ensure money stays in the financial system, and ultimately protect our communities.”
Jamie highlights that their Cannabis Banking Program embodies the foundational principles of credit unions: serving those without access to traditional banking services and contributing to the well-being of their communities. “It has been incredibly rewarding to develop a program that supports these values and meet such an important need,” she says.
Responsibilities as COO
As COO, Jamie oversees several critical areas. These include operations, multicultural strategy, and the Cannabis Banking program. She also has a key role in initiatives including CU-Digital Asset VaultTM, a first-of-its-kind Crypto wallet for credit unions. Jamie explains that the operations department manages deposit operations, lending operations, fraud prevention, and BSA compliance, ensuring they maintain a secure and efficient banking environment.
Jamie currently oversees the Director of Multicultural Services, who leads the organization’s strategy to connect with and support underserved communities. Jamie points out that SCFCU dedicates significant time to building relationships within the community and coordinating financial education programs. Together, they launched their non-resident alien program, providing individuals living in the United States with access to essential banking services.
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance has always been a cornerstone of Jamie’s career and personal values. She shares that one of the reasons she stayed with her previous employer for so long was the flexibility it gave her to be there for her kids.
As a then single mother of two, Jamie obtained both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while also managing the daily responsibilities of raising her children—getting them to school, sports, appointments, and everything in between. Now, after 14 years of marriage, she continues to cherish family time and appreciates working for an organization that equally values and supports a healthy balance between work and personal life.
“Having a career that supports balance made it possible for me to meet both my family’s needs and my professional responsibilities,” Jamie says.
Over the years, she has learned that achieving balance is not just the responsibility of the employer or leadership – it is a shared effort. She explains that one has to recognize when it is important to prioritize being at home with family or when one’s attention is needed at work. Jamie believes that open communication with one’s leader is key – it helps set boundaries and allows honest conversations about one’s needs and priorities.
A core value of SCFCU is “Service Above Self with Balance.” It means flexibility and mutual support. “When you need to be with your family, we’ve got your back. And when work demands a little extra — whether due to a heavier workload or a community event — you step up and shift your focus,” Jamie explains. It is about understanding that both personal and professional lives demand full attention at times and giving oneself the permission to prioritize what matters most in the moment. This approach has not only helped Jamie maintain her balance but has also reinforced her commitment to fostering a workplace culture that values both professional dedication and personal well-being.
Culture of Empowerment and Inclusion
Jamie and SCFCU’s leadership team believe in empowering their employees to make decisions that positively impact their members and organization. She explains that this empowerment is built on trust, which is why they equip their employees with the autonomy and confidence to act in the best interest of their members. This ensures that they feel trusted to deliver exceptional service without hesitation.
Another core value of SCFCU is, “People are trustworthy and unique,” and this value is woven into everything they do. It reflects their belief that every member should be treated as an individual, with their unique needs and circumstances in mind. “By fostering this culture, we empower our staff to go beyond standardized solutions and create meaningful, personalized experiences that make a real difference in our members’ lives,” Jamie says.
Inclusion is also a key focus at SCFCU, particularly in reflecting the rich diversity of the community it serves. Through the organization’s multicultural strategy, Jamie and team work tirelessly to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds know that they are there to help them. This includes tailoring their outreach efforts, products, and services to meet the needs of the diverse community.
“Beyond external efforts, we’re also committed internally to cultivating a workplace where every voice is valued and where differences are celebrated as strengths,” Jamie says. “We want our staff to feel empowered to do what is right.”
Remaining Competitive in the Financial Industry
Jamie believes that a dual focus is required to remain competitive in the financial industry: exceptional customer experience and forward-looking strategies.
- Customer Experience
While larger banks have greater resources to dominate in technology, credit unions excel by creating meaningful, personal connections with members. At SCFCU, the focus is on making a difference in their members’ lives through their vision: making a meaningful difference through human connection. Jamie says that the pandemic underscored the importance of human connection, and they have made it a priority to foster that connection during every member interaction.
- Driving Growth and Success
The community has always been one of SCFCU’s growth pillars. So, the organization’s approach to growth is rooted in engagement, support, and accessibility for everyone they serve.
Jamie says that while Minnesota hasn’t historically been a highly diverse state, they have welcomed an increasing number of members from Latino and East African communities in recent years. Recognizing the unique needs of these communities, the organization has prioritized initiatives to build stronger relationships and provide tailored support. SCFCU focuses on creating connections, fostering financial education, and ensuring inclusivity in services offered.
In 2024, SCFCU introduced a non-resident alien program, which expands access to banking services for members who may otherwise be underserved. Jamie informs that in 2025, they plan to launch Sharia-compliant products to better serve their East African members. These initiatives reflect the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and meeting the diverse needs of the growing membership base.
“By staying true to our values and continuously adapting to the evolving needs of our community, we not only drive growth but also strengthen our role as a trusted financial partner,” Jamie says.
Long-Term Goals
As for Jamie’s long-term goal, she intends to continue growing and excelling as an executive leader while remaining committed to her role as COO, or whatever role she needs to fill. “I’ve found that the COO position allows me to focus on what I’m most passionate about — driving operational excellence, fostering a culture of empowerment, and ensuring that our organization delivers meaningful value to both our members and staff,” she says.
Jamie does not define success in terms of climbing the corporate ladder or seeking a different title. For her, success means making an impact. So, her focus is on deepening her expertise in her current role and ensuring that she supports the organization’s vision of making a meaningful difference.
Ultimately, Jamie’s long-term goal is not just to excel in her role, but to contribute to the success and growth of SCFCU in a way that stays true to its mission and values. She says, “I take great pride in being part of an organization that prioritizes making a meaningful difference in the lives of its members, employees, and community.”
Message to Aspiring Women Leaders
Jamie advises aspiring women leaders in the financial industry not to let gender define or limit their potential. She encourages them to lead with authenticity, speak up confidently, and consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic.
“If you feel your efforts are not being recognized or valued, it may be time to evaluate whether you’re in the right role – or even the right organization,” she says. “Change is difficult, and taking big, bold steps can be intimidating. But those hard, scary decisions often lead to the most rewarding opportunities.”
“Trust yourself, embrace challenges, and don’t shy away from creating your own path to success,” Jamie adds.
