As chief executive and president of Liberty Lake-based STCU, Ezra Eckhardt oversees the Inland Northwest's largest credit union, which has branches in Washington, Idaho, and soon, Oregon. 

Under Eckhardt’s leadership, the credit union has grown to 284,000 members as of Sept. 30, up from 170,000 in 2018.

A fifth-generation Spokanite, Eckhardt has supported the Spokane community as a board member for multiple businesses and organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and The University District Public Development Authority. He’s serving his fourth term on the Spokane Airport Board and as current board chair, he's  leading the effort to find a replacement for outgoing Spokane Airports CEO Larry Krauter. 

Education: Bachelor’s of science, United States Military Academy; MBA, Gonzaga University

What was your first job and what did you learn from it? I was an airborne infantry platoon leader in an airborne battalion in Vicenza, Italy. I learned about how to strive through adversity, how to deal with changing situations, and how to motivate people to accomplish difficult tasks. 

What advice would you have for others looking to follow a career path similar to yours? Make sure you chart a career path. Focus on being a lifelong learner. Accept every challenge. Usually, when you turn down a big project or job, you won't be offered another. 

If you had to choose an alternative career path and money wasn't relevant, what would you do? I would be a professional alpine climber! I love being on the top of a mountain and watching the sun rise.

Who has been a significant influence in your life and career?  Willard M. Burleson III, recently retired as a three-star general. I worked with him for three years when he was a captain in the 1990s. He taught me a lot about leadership, discipline, communication, and decision making.