Here’s a career trajectory that proves playing the long game pays off: Christopher Mraz just landed the top strategic role at Austin Telco Federal Credit Union (ATFCU) as Executive Vice President of Enterprise Strategy and Chief Strategy Officer.
But here’s the kicker—he started at the same credit union as a part-time teller back in 2002. Talk about knowing the business from the ground up.
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Building a Career, One Strategic Move at a Time
While studying at the University of Texas at Austin, Chris made the jump from the teller line to Information Systems. By 2004, he’d gone full-time as an Information Systems Coordinator, getting his hands dirty with core systems like Symitar. He quickly spotted gaps in infrastructure and networking that needed filling, which launched him into senior technology positions where he spearheaded the tech architecture for ATFCU’s branch expansion.
Then came 2011, when Chris led the charge on something we now can’t imagine living without: ATFCU’s first mobile banking app. This wasn’t just a nice-to-have feature—it was a pivotal moment in the credit union’s digital transformation.
Two years later, Chris stepped into the VP of Information Technology and CIO role, where he drove the adoption of features that have become table stakes in modern banking: bill pay, mobile deposit, and card tokenization (that’s the security tech that keeps your actual card number hidden during transactions, for those keeping score at home).
Leveling Up: Education Meets Experience
After earning his Executive MBA from UT Austin in 2021, Chris expanded his portfolio beyond just technology. His 2022 promotion to Senior Vice President brought Technology, Information Security, and Digital Experience under his leadership umbrella. By 2023, his title evolved again to Senior Vice President of Technology and Strategic Initiatives—a clear signal that he was becoming the go-to person for aligning strategy across the entire organization.
This past April, Chris completed the CUES CEO Institute and earned his Certified Chief Executive designation, a credential that carries serious weight in the credit union world.
What’s Next
Reflecting on his promotion, Chris struck a note of gratitude mixed with forward-looking ambition: “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities Austin Telco has provided throughout my career. Beginning as a part time teller and growing into my current role has given me a deep appreciation for our members, our team, and our mission. Each step along the way has strengthened my commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and remain focused on positioning Austin Telco for continued success in the years ahead.”
From counting cash to crafting enterprise strategy—that’s a 23-year journey worth celebrating. And for ATFCU members, it means their strategic vision is being shaped by someone who’s seen every angle of the operation.