April Tompkins

I attribute my success to the journey and steady growth I’ve experienced throughout my career. I began as a part-time teller while attending college and progressed through multiple roles over 21 years in the credit union industry, ultimately becoming CEO in 2019—a position I have proudly held for the past seven years. Along the way, I have valued every opportunity to learn, grow, and lead. I am especially proud to have been nominated for an Executive Leadership Luminary award and to have led the successful rebranding of our organization from Services Center Federal Credit Union to Explorers Credit Union, a collaborative effort made possible by an exceptional team. As my career has evolved, so has my personal growth, and I find deep fulfillment in the variety, responsibility, and continuous learning each day brings.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you can build a successful career in a field you love while still making space for your creativity and personal passions. That perspective has stayed with me as I’ve grown professionally, and it has encouraged me to pursue meaningful goals beyond my primary role. I’ve embraced that balance by continuing to nurture my creative side through writing, and I am currently working on my second book while also completing my MBA, with graduation anticipated in August 2026.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to believe in your voice and your potential, even if you start out feeling insecure or unsure. Early in my journey, I was shy and uncertain, but I’ve learned that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and sharing your story. I began creating videos on TikTok about confidence and my personal experiences, not expecting much from it, but I was encouraged when my daughters and others shared how impactful it was. That experience reminded me that there is space for every voice, and your story can inspire and uplift others in ways you may not immediately see.

One of the biggest challenges I face is balancing a full-time leadership role, motherhood, my MBA studies, and writing my second book. It requires strong time management and discipline, but I also see it as an opportunity to grow and stay focused on what matters most. This experience allows me to demonstrate that it’s possible to pursue career success while still nurturing family and personal passions.

The most important value to me in both my work and personal life is the ability to help and positively impact others. I take great pride in my first book, Her Breaking Point, a psychological thriller about a female credit union CEO that explores leadership, intuition, and the emotional complexities of being a woman in leadership. I also use platforms like TikTok to mentor and inspire young women, sharing messages about confidence and personal growth. Writing gives me a creative space that is uniquely my own, while my work in the credit union aligns with our core value of “people helping people,” which is reflected in our community and social impact efforts. It is deeply fulfilling when others reach out to share how my work has encouraged or supported them.