Korn Ferry Futurestep launches Credit Union and Community Banking arm

Futurestep has launched a new practice focused on the credit union and community banking sectors, in a bid to met growing demand from the industries as consumers increasingly move their money away from high street banks. To lead and expand the new practice, the firm has hired industry veterans Mike Juratovac and Mary Leonardi.

Credit unions and community banks have seen considerable uptake from people in the community, in particular among those who no longer trust their high street banks. The increase in customers is driving the institutions to recruit expertise – which includes leveraging specialist recruitment consultancy firms such as Futurestep.

In a bid to accomodate for growing demand, Korn Ferry’s Futurestep division has bundled its expertise and resources in the two sectors to launch a new 'Credit Union and Community Banking' arm. As part of the development of the new practice, the firm has hired two experts in professional search and consulting, Mike Juratovac and Mary Leonardi.

Prior to joining Korn Ferry, Mike Juratovac worked at executive search and HR research consultancy O'Rourke & Associates as its Chief Executive Officer for the firm’s Executive Search and Consulting practice for thirteen years. Previously, between 1995 and 2002, Juratovac worked at executive search firm Montgomery Resources as an Executive Recruiter. Juratovac holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Finance & International Business from Northeastern University.

Prior to joining Korn Ferry, Mary Leonardi was a Director of Executive Search at O'Rourke & Associates for two years. Previously Leonardi worked at HR consultancy firm Strategic Connections as its President. Earlier roles include Vice President and Recruiting Manager/Talent Management at Security Finance from 2011 until 2012; Human Resources Manager at America's First Federal Credit Union for four and a half years from 2006; Vice President of Human Resources at 1 Vision for four and a half years; and Professional Generalist Recruiting Supervisor at Express Personnel Services, where she out started in 2000. Leonardi attended Rose State College and holds a Professional in Human Resources certificate from the HR Certification Institute.

The two veterans, Leonardi joins as a Managing Consultant and Juratovac as a Sector Leader, are tasked with the leading Futurestep’s new practice, as well as expanding its offerings to clients across the US.

Eric Goldstein, Global Market Leader of Korn Ferry Futurestep Financial Services, says, “We’re excited to bring on Mike and Mary, who both have stellar reputations as leaders and a great team in this space. We see enormous potential for this practice, as the popularity of credit unions is skyrocketing among consumers as they typically offer lower fees and better returns. Additionally, following the 2008 financial crisis, many U.S. consumers moved their savings from large banks to credit unions and community banks.”

Juratovac remarks, “As the credit union industry continues to evolve in complexity and sophistication, the need for strategically placed business partners who can provide counsel on compensation, board governance and talent acquisition has never been more important. The industry as a whole has become increasingly reliant on talent consulting services including talent acquisition, workforce planning and employee development. Korn Ferry Futurestep is uniquely positioned to help these organisations expand and become more efficient and profitable.”