We’re launching a new series of articles called, Where Are They Now?  It’s an opportunity to reconnect with alumni of our high-impact leadership development programs offered in partnership with Executive Coach Laurie Maddalena since 2013. This distinguished group includes more than 500 credit union professionals, most of whom completed the six-month Future or Exceptional Leader programs.

We wondered how their careers have evolved and how the training continues to shape their professional journeys. We caught up with David Muse, Chief Operating Officer at GPO FCU, who shared how the Exceptional Leader program still influences the way he leads. Here’s his story.

David Muse: Building a Leadership Mindset Based on Learning & Reflection

David Muse didn’t start his career in credit unions. In fact, he spent years working at major banks. But when the opportunity came to transition into the credit union movement more than a decade ago, he took a chance, and never looked back.

“I knew I wanted a long-term career in the credit union movement, not just my next job,” Muse says. That mindset would ultimately shape the way he approached his career development and leadership journey.

In 2019, while serving as a branch operations manager at a credit union in DC, Muse was presented with the opportunity to participate in the Exceptional Leader program, led by Executive Coach Laurie Maddalena.

“The program felt like a chance to intentionally invest in my growth rather than waiting for experience to happen to me,” he explains.

Motivated by what he learned, Muse began shifting away from being task-focused to considering the broader organizational impact of his decisions.

“The program reinforced the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and collaboration—especially during uncertainty or change,” Muse says. “I became more comfortable making decisions with incomplete information, seeking diverse viewpoints, and leading with clarity and empathy rather than reacting under pressure.”

One of the most impactful aspects of the Exceptional Leader program, Muse notes, was its emphasis on transferable leadership skills rather than titles or promotions. The curriculum focused on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, communication, and resilience—skills that remain relevant regardless of role or organizational structure.

“It encouraged continuous learning and reflection, which helped me build a leadership mindset that could evolve as the industry and my responsibilities changed over time.” Muse says. He was promoted to Chief Operations Officer at his credit union, then later served as CEO of two credit unions and is now the Chief Operating Officer at GPO FCU.

For credit union professionals considering the Exceptional Leader program, Muse offers this advice: “Go into the program with curiosity and openness, not just a checklist of outcomes. Be willing to challenge your assumptions, learn from others’ experiences, and apply the lessons beyond the classroom. The more you engage and reflect, the more lasting value you’ll take away.”

Muse says, “Even years later, the lessons and relationships continue to influence how I approach leadership, growth and service.”

Upcoming Leadership Development Sessions

If you are interested in finding out more about the Future Leader Program, click here. The next six-month session begins March 25, 2026

The Exceptional Leader Program is now the Elevated Leader Program, you can find more information here. The next six-month session begins September 24, 2026.