Chad Heese is President and CEO of Community Resource Credit Union in Baytown, Texas, with more than 23 years of experience in the credit union industry. His executive leadership experience spans lending, technology, operations, and strategic innovation.

Combining executive leadership with a background in software development, Chad brings a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on technical expertise. His experience includes developing machine-learning solutions, advancing data-driven decision-making, and exploring practical applications of artificial intelligence and automation in financial services.

Passionate about challenging conventional thinking, Chad believes AI presents an opportunity for credit unions to fundamentally rethink how they operate, compete, and serve their members. His approach emphasizes moving beyond experimentation to deliver meaningful business outcomes while balancing innovation, responsible implementation, and organizational readiness.