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Eric Hepkins
Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union
Professional Background
Eric Hepkins brings over 20 years of comprehensive experience in the financial services industry, primarily focused on community-driven institutions. He has dedicated much of his career to nurturing, developing, and leading teams that are rooted in the values of trust and service, fundamental to credit unions and community banks alike. As the Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union, Eric has emphasized the importance of building a strong organizational culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. His leadership philosophy centers on the idea that a positive culture is essential to the success of any team, a lesson he holds dear from his vast array of professional experiences.
In addition to his executive role at Cornerstone, Eric has also held significant positions at HSBC, where he worked his way through various roles, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President, U.S. Head of Streamlining, Retail Banking and Wealth Management. His journey through the ranks at HSBC afforded him a depth of understanding about retail banking and wealth management that he now leverages in his current position. His tenure at Evans Bank as Head of Retail Bank further solidified his expertise in retail banking operations.
Education and Achievements
Eric Hepkins's academic journey has provided him with a solid foundation in both business management and the social sciences. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious State University of New York at Buffalo - School of Management, where he honed his skills in leadership, strategy, and organizational behavior. Prior to this, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the State University of New York College at Geneseo. His educational background equips him with a unique perspective that integrates human behavior with business strategies—an approach he applies to enhance member experiences at Cornerstone Economic Federal Credit Union.
Outside of his professional commitments, Eric is actively engaged in the credit union movement, serving on the Board of Directors at the New York Credit Union Association, where he advocates for policies that benefit credit unions and the communities they serve.
Personal Interests and Challenges
In his personal life, Eric believes in continuous self-improvement and seeks to challenge himself through various pursuits. An adventure seeker at heart, he enjoys participation in Ironman Triathlons and marathons, activities that reflect his commitment to discipline and resilience. He also values quality time spent with family, exploring new interests, and fostering a sense of adventure in everyday life. Through these experiences, Eric demonstrates that the pursuit of excellence and the spirit of teamwork extend beyond the workplace, enriching both his professional and personal life.
Notable Achievements
Eric's remarkable career encompasses a wealth of experience and accomplishments within the banking and credit union sectors. His leadership at Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union has been marked by successful initiatives that have strengthened the institution's position in the financial landscape. By placing a strong emphasis on culture, trust, and community service, he has transformed organizational dynamics and boosted member satisfaction. Eric's previous role at HSBC, particularly as the SVP of Streamlining, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, allowed him to implement innovative strategies that improved operational efficiency and enhanced the client experience. His extensive background as a retail banking sales manager has equipped him with a deep understanding of market trends, enabling him to forecast and adapt to the evolving needs of members in the community.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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