Kurt Jacobson

Kurt gets results by bringing people together with the big idea. His broad perspective and understanding of how credit unions work have been sharpened by years of counseling senior executives and leading JayRay. Whether he’s facilitating working with the board of directors of Kitsap Credit Union or championing a fresh approach to branding with Sound Credit Union, Kurt is always focused on strategy.

A member of Sound Credit Union in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington, Kurt has worked with credit unions that span all asset sizes, federal and state charters. He is a mentor and friend to marketing directors and a trusted advisor to credit union managers and CEOs. His work leading the communications team for Kitsap Credit Union’s conversion from a federal to a state credit union charter resulted in the largest voter turn out in the history of the cooperative.

Kurt is a strategic thinker and adept at troubleshooting problems that threaten credit unions’ market share. With his wealth of marketing experience, he is particularly effective at helping credit unions attract new members.

One of JayRay’s original owners, Kurt became president of the communications consultancy in 1987. He has won numerous creative awards as a former agency copywriter, and led the agency to additional industry and public service recognition, including The Credit Union Difference Award in 2006. JayRay received “Business of the Year” awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration and “Marketing Company of the Year” by Marketing Executives International. And, Media Inc. named Kurt their “Person of the Year.”

A civic leader, Kurt encourages community and professional involvement from his staff and sets a good example by donating his time and professional talents. He graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in communications and received his M.B.A. from Pacific Lutheran University.