About Michael Taylor:
Michael is an Army veteran and a graduate of UC Berkeley, where he was heavily involved with the Cal Veterans Group on campus and worked as a Veteran Peer Advisor. Veteran’s advocacy continues to be a mission for Michael, as he helps veterans navigate their transitions from service.
Michael deployed three times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his service from 2010 to 2014, Michael was assigned to 3rd Ranger Battalion, holding various positions as a Ranger including heavy machine gunner, SAW gunner, and fire team leader. Jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, roping out of helicopters, driving armored vehicles, and conducting clandestine night raids; just another day at the office. Rangers Lead the Way!
HomeIn her own words:
My journey in the credit union industry began in the early 1980s, when I was appointed Treasurer of the Burbank Schools Student Federal Credit Union during my junior year of high school. At the time, I knew very little about credit unions. I volunteered because the role offered a summer internship - a simple decision that ultimately shaped my entire career in financial services.
I was fortunate to work under a truly visionary CEO - someone who embodied everything that is right about credit union movement. From this early foundation, I learned the importance of ethical leadership, unwavering member focus, and the value of investing in people.
Those principles have stayed with me.
They continue to guide my approach to leadership, my commitment to collaboration, and my belief that strong institutions are built not just on financial performance, but on integrity, accountability, and purpose.
Debra Taylor Templin, CPA
(310) 963-3374
Executive & Financial Consulting For Credit Unions
Copyright 2017 Debra Taylor Templin
About Debra Taylor Templin, CPA, MBA:
Debra founded her consulting practice in 2011, bringing more than 25 years of credit union industry experience to her clients.
Her background is not theoretical - it is built on leadership and hands-on experience.
Debra served ten years as Chief Financial Officer and seven years as Chief Executive Officer, giving her a rare dual perspective on both the financial and operational realities credit unions face. She has led institutions through growth, regulatory examinations, operational challenges, and strategic decision-making - experience that directly informs her collaborative approach today.
She understands what it means to sit on the other side of the table.
