The 88th Annual Meeting of Cherokee Strip Credit Union was held on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Pioneer Technology Center. During the meeting, Howard Sissel was presented an Excellence in Service Award for 36 years with the Credit Union, including 29 years as its former Chief Executive Officer. As noted in the Credit Union’s 2020 Annual Report, Don Lockwood also received this Award for his 30 years of volunteer leadership. Director of Technology & Logistics Mark Love was recognized for his 18-year service anniversary, as was Stacey Calderon for her recent promotion to Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer.

During the proceedings, Board Chairman Dr. Robert Howard declared a special patronage dividend in excess of $112,000 to be shared among all Members in good standing. The special distribution, highlighting the credit union difference as owning your financial institution, represents a partial return of prior year earnings directly into Member Share savings accounts. This payout is in addition to $416,000 in regular dividends and loan rewards already shared in 2020.

Last year, Cherokee Strip Credit Union was awarded a 5 Stars-Superior rating from Bauer Financial. They’ve also expanded beyond traditional banking, with strategic investments or partnerships in insurance, wealth management, financial technology, card services, and hospitality. Its Cherokee Strip Insurance Agency, owned by Credit Union Members but open to everyone, simplifies the insurance-buying process by working directly with over 40 underwriters - including well-known names like Allstate, Progressive, and Liberty Mutual. These companies then compete against each other to provide bestin-class policy bundling, pricing, and service, with free quotes available online or by calling (580)718-4075.

Born in Ponca City 88 years ago as Conoco Employees (PC) Credit Union, they were the second financial cooperative ever chartered in Oklahoma. After several decades under Conoco’s umbrella, Don Lockwood and Mike Connelly were key members of a management team that separated the businesses in the mid-1990’s, resulting in a strong and independent Cherokee Strip Credit Union. Along with community leaders Jamie Ford and Mike Connelly, Mr. Lockwood continued his volunteer service for many years, eventually retiring as Supervisory Committee Chairman.

It was reported that Howard Sissel officially joined the Credit Union after transitioning from Conoco. Prior to the Annual Meeting, Human Resources Coordinator Linda Smith sat down with Mr. Sissel for his thoughts on nearly 4 decades of financial service to our community:

Linda:

When did you start with Conoco? What lead you to Conoco?

Howard:

I began my employment with Conoco on March 27, 1974 right out of the Army, as I needed a job. With my degree in Business Administration, I started working in Wholesale and Commercial Accounting. On July 15, 1978 I began my tenor with the Credit Union as a Loan Officer. In 1985, I accepted the position of CEO and continued in that role until retiring on April 30, 2014. I was hesitant at first in accepting the CEO position, as I was only 36, but realized I was a pretty good fit. Linda:

What was the first major change, or new venture, that you experienced? Howard:

Conoco wanted to be more visible and active in the community, so in the mid-1990’s we added additional offices off the Conoco complex, but Credit Union services were still for Conoco employees only. It was at this time we also began serving the Membership with draft checking accounts. Previously, we were strictly offering savings accounts and loans, with a cap of $40 million in deposits.

For years, I managed our one-employee office, inside the Conoco gas station located at Grand and 5th. It was a fun experience, even though the roof leaked on my desk and there were plenty of bugs all the time! This office was closed when the property sold and became the site for the Ponca City Library. It was at that time I moved to our other office, located on South Avenue across from the Conoco complex. The Conoco Museum now stands on this site.

Linda:

What do you consider the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? Howard:

I considered growth, and human capital, the biggest challenges. When we separated from Conoco in 1995, we had to develop our Board of Directors, our leadership team, employee benefits, payroll, and all those requirements to create a separate business. Also, at this time, we opened the Credit Union to the community and surrounding areas, and added an additional branch location at Waverly and Hartford. Once our present building was constructed, we were able to remove the mobile home.

Linda:

What are you most proud of? Maybe something that you left your mark on.

Howard:

Being involved when Conoco opened to our community, building the membership, and being a part of the construction of our East Prospect branch which we occupied in 2003. I also had lots of good employees, and feel I left my mark on them and our Members, which they did on me as well. Linda:

So, Howard, what is your perspective on “Retirement Life”?

Howard:

While I enjoyed my time with the Credit Union, I have to say retirement is great! I recommend it for anyone.

Linda:

Any additional comments you’d like to share?

Howard:

Cherokee Strip Credit Union is a great organization, and I’m proud of my time there and all our team accomplished.

After 112 years in America, credit unions remain a powerful way to bank, for those who want part-ownership with a voice and vote in the strategic path of their financial institution. For more information or to join now, visit www.cherokeestrip.com or call (580)718-4000.