How One CTO Elevates Credit Union Values
When Robert Williams steps into his role as Chief Technology Officer at Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union, he’s not just managing digital infrastructure—he’s embodying the values of a credit union deeply rooted in community service. With nearly a quarter-century at the Northfield, N.J.-based institution, Williams has overseen transformational technology strategies that advance security, efficiency, and member experience across its five branches.
But it’s his work beyond the branch walls that truly defines him: Each November, Williams quietly ensures 100 Atlantic City families enjoy full Thanksgiving meals—not just turkeys, but the side dishes too, thanks to his contributions.
A Career that Bridges Music, Tech, and Service
Born in the Bronx to musician parents, Williams learned to appreciate rhythm and structure early in life. He was a trumpet player through high school, dreaming of a career in sound engineering.
The rise of personal computing in the early 1980s, however, nudged him elsewhere. “It was pretty obvious that computers were going to be the next big thing,” he says, recalling the impact of technology at that time. After training in Cherry Hill, he began building and managing tech systems for employers across Atlantic City—including a casino—before joining Jersey Shore FCU in 2001.
Over the years, Williams climbed the ladder from webmaster and network administrator to Information Systems Manager, ultimately becoming CTO in 2024. In his current role, he spearheads the credit union’s digital transformation by:
- Aligning tech goals with broader business strategy
- Ensuring compliance
- Managing vendor relationships
- Maintaining airtight cybersecurity protocols
His initiatives help the credit union deliver modern banking tools while remaining accessible to the communities it serves.
Jersey Shore FCU’s Culture of Giving—Led by Example
Williams’ technological acumen is rivaled only by his mission to serve the underserved. As he describes, “I’ve always had a computer job, and I’ve always had a music business side. But giving back has always been part of the equation, too.”
In recent years, that impulse has crystallized into a highly personal and unpublicized annual Thanksgiving outreach: Williams personally funds $25 ShopRite gift cards for 100 families, meant specifically for side dishes often overlooked by charitable turkey drives.
“I figured, everyone gives out turkeys. That’s great, but what about the greens, stuffing, yams, and pie? That’s what I provide,” Williams explains. His effort—now in its fifth year—is not affiliated with a nonprofit and accepts no donations. “It’s all me. Out of my own pocket.”
By partnering with churches and grassroots organizations, Williams ensures the gift cards are distributed thoughtfully, often to those who would not seek assistance on their own. The approach is dignified and nimble, responding to real-time community needs. “They know who needs it. They’re literally on the sidewalks,” he says.
How a Credit Union Supports the Whole Employee
Importantly, Jersey Shore FCU doesn’t just tolerate Williams’ philanthropic work—it champions it. “The credit union has donated to causes I’ve supported, like ALS bike rides, and they’ve always encouraged me,” he says.
It’s a valuable lesson for community banks and credit unions trying to preserve their identity in a shifting financial landscape: invest in your people, especially when their passions extend beyond the office.
Williams believes his personal mission reflects the credit union’s founding values. Established in 1963 to serve FAA employees, Jersey Shore FCU has evolved into a multi-county fixture in South Jersey without losing sight of its service-oriented roots. By encouraging employees like Williams to merge personal purpose with professional presence, the institution strengthens both its internal culture and external credibility.
Seeing the Hidden Struggles in a Shore Town Setting
It’s easy to assume that tony New Jersey towns like Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor, and Margate are insulated from poverty and homelessness. But Williams, who rides his bike along the Atlantic City boardwalk at sunrise, sees what others miss: unhoused individuals sleeping under awnings and clustered near air vents.
“There’s homelessness all over,” he says. “Especially when summer brings more transient traffic. You don’t see it in the wealthy beach towns, but that doesn’t mean it’s not right next door.”
His giving extends well beyond ALS and his own personal giving. In past years, he’s supported organizations championing the arts and humanities, those who are food insecure, and diaper drives for homeless mothers in New York—all funded from his own resources. His approach isn’t performative. It’s quiet, consistent, and entirely self-financed. And it’s exactly the kind of mission that, when supported by a bank or credit union, reinforces the institution’s credibility as a true community player.
Culture, Not Compliance
What Williams demonstrates—through both digital leadership and street-level compassion—is that the soul of a community bank or credit union lies not in marketing, but in empowering employees to act on their values. Technology may be his title. But service is his calling.
As financial institutions look to stand out in an increasingly commoditized market, Jersey Shore FCU offers a clear blueprint: Let your people be people. Encourage the giving. Embrace the outreach. Support the side-dish guy.
Because sometimes, it’s the green bean casserole—not the turkey—that leaves the biggest impact.
