Since 2019, Mitch Gaffigan’s leadership at Purdue Federal Credit Union (Purdue Federal) has been characterized by an unwavering commitment to its mission of providing financial services that empower members to achieve their goals. Gaffigan, who is the Commercial Vice President of Member Business Services at Purdue Federal, says that he wanted to find a position that reflects what’s important to him.
“I grew up in the Chesterton area and still live there. I graduated from Calumet College of St. Joseph. I originally worked for a super-regional bank before my position was eliminated. I decided that I would find an organization that would have the same mission of delivering the best services possible to our members. I took my time and chose Purdue Federal.”
Gaffigan’s role at Purdue Federal requires oversight of management across all the Northwest Indiana branches. His team has a specialty in real estate lending. He oversees single-family and multi-family rentals and apartments along with student housing. He also serves both the commercial and industrial markets and works with additional lenders for delivering services.
“The typical work day requires me to go to Lafayette at least once a week,” said Gaffigan. “While that does not always happen, I go to my clients and meet them where they are. I try to spend about 40% of my time in the office, and the rest, I try to be on the road. I strive to meet new people and find new opportunities.”
Gaffigan exudes confidence and pride in his team. He observed his team persevere amidst the trials of COVID-19. In his uniquely-timed career with Purdue Federal, he further witnessed enhancements concerning working remotely and an unexpectedly improved market.
“There are many things and people I look at fondly at Purdue Federal,” said Gaffigan. “I find that we do all we can to benefit the Northwest region. My boss, Sam Burns, once asked what would make my job easier, and I said, ‘Duplicate yourself.’ Little did I know he would hire the hard-working Debra Spesard. Our team has evolved so much over the past five years. I see the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 44% and NASDAQ is up 96%—our evolution of service is growing.”
In light of new changes for the coming year, Gaffigan is optimistic about the future of Purdue Federal, which includes growing the credit union and hiring another business lender for Northwest Indiana. He leads by example and aims to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within an ever-changing world.
“Purdue Federal aligns with my values,” said Gaffigan. “I am a believer in giving of ourselves from all phases of life—from everything we have learned growing up to all the things we come to pass along to others. Since I grew up being involved with hospice, church, and other organizations, I find that I want to continue to be active in giving myself to all the things I do.”
Gaffigan’s passion for service extends past the reach of Purdue Federal. His involvement in the community demonstrates his commitment to impacting the lives of others. He dedicates his time and expertise to several organizations, including being President of the Board for Hospice of the Calumet Area, Trustee of Calumet College of St. Joseph, and a member of the Finance Council for the Diocese of Gary.
“I was invited to join the Diocese of Gary because of my experience in banking,” said Gaffigan. “We have done everything from managing the pension fund to assisting the administrative components of the Diocese itself. For Hospice of the Calumet Area, we serve over 1000 patients a year. We have a hospice house and in-house services where our traveling nurses take care of patients.”
Outside of his numerous occupational roles, Gaffigan is a proud husband to his wife, whom he met at a hospice function, and a father of five children. He enjoys spending time with a core group of friends at the shores of Lake Michigan and going to golf outings. This year, he had the special opportunity to witness his comedian brother, Jim Gaffigan, craft his own batch of Fathertime Bourbon at a Louisville-based distillery.
For more information on Purdue Federal Credit Union, visit purduefed.com.
