Big Shoulders Fund Spotlight Series: meet a member of the Founders Advisory Council

Jesse Hunt, member of the Founders Advisory Council and its chair emeritus, is a commercial lender and relationship-driven business leader focused on strategic growth and long-term partnerships across the Midwest. He works closely with businesses, nonprofit institutions, and community organizations to structure financing solutions that support expansion and sustainability. 

He and his wife have four children, and recently made the decision to enroll them in a Catholic school after seeing firsthand how a strong faith-based education helps children grow both academically and spiritually. That perspective has been shaped by his involvement with Big Shoulders Fund and his professional role at the largest Catholic credit union in the United States. His commitment to education is both professional and personal, grounded in measurable impact and lived experience.

What inspired you to get involved with Big Shoulders Fund and its mission in education?

What drew me in was the clarity of mission and measurable impact. Big Shoulders Fund doesn’t just talk about closing gaps in education, it does the work, school by school, student by student. I believe strong institutions change communities, and quality education is one of the few levers that truly alters a child’s long-term trajectory. Being part of something that produces real outcomes, especially in neighborhoods that need it most, was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. 

Can you share a memorable moment or experience you’ve had working with Big Shoulders schools or students? 

One moment that stands out was visiting a school where leadership, teachers, and students clearly believed in what they were building together. The pride in the building, the discipline in the classrooms, and the joy from the students were tangible. It reinforced that structure and high expectations – when paired with care – create environments where kids thrive. Seeing that firsthand moves the mission from theory to reality. 

Why do you believe investing in education – especially in underserved communities – is so critical? 

Education is one of the few investments that compounds over decades. In underserved communities, access to a strong school can break generational cycles and expand opportunity far beyond the classroom. When we invest in education, we are investing in workforce development, civic stability, and long-term economic mobility. 

How does your background or professional experience inform your approach as a Founders Advisory Council member? 

My professional background is rooted in disciplined growth, responsible stewardship of capital, and long-term relationship building. At Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, our work is mission-driven and grounded in Catholic social teaching – focusing on human dignity, community impact, and serving the common good. That framework shapes how I approach my role on the Founders Advisory Council. I evaluate opportunities through both a strategic and values-based lens, ensuring decisions support sustainable expansion while staying aligned with mission. For me, it is about measurable impact, strong governance, and advancing education in a way that strengthens families and communities over time. 

Finish the sentence: “A strong education is the foundation for…” 

…confidence, opportunity, and leadership. It equips students with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and make principled decisions. Beyond academics, it builds discipline, resilience, and moral clarity, traits that shape how individuals lead in their families, workplaces, and communities. When a student understands both their responsibility and their potential, they are positioned not just to succeed personally, but to elevate others around them.