Malon Gaines Deposits High School Success into a Finance Career

For Malon Gaines, a 2026 graduate of Jeffersontown High School, the transition into the professional world has been a seamless continuation of a journey that began years ago. As a student worker at the school’s Class Act Federal Credit Union branch, Malon spent three years mastering the intricacies of corporate environments, personal finance, and high-level member relations. It is a pathway experience that completely transformed his career goals from a general interest in business into a clear, focused pursuit of financial leadership.

While many might view high school banking as a basic introduction to administrative tasks, the level of responsibility Malon earned inside the branch tells a completely different story.

"I have worked in Class Act for three years," Malon says. "I have been here since before this Class Act was even built. Something that would surprise you is that high school students get to open accounts for members and also do all of their transactions."

Walking in the Footsteps of Industry Leaders

Malon’s early interest in the corporate landscape solidified into a definitive pivot toward asset management during a pathway-sponsored experiential learning opportunity outside the traditional classroom walls.

"It was after the stock market game field trip that I had," Malon explains. "We went to a company called River Road, and they do asset management. I asked the CEO how he started working there, and he told me that he had a degree in finance, and he started off with that degree. So I figured that I would follow after his footsteps and get my degree in finance, too."

That clarity of purpose is exactly what the academy structure is designed to deliver. By connecting students directly to C-suite executives and real-world industry dynamics, the curriculum demystifies complex professional trajectories. With his high school diploma now secured, Malon has already mapped out his next academic and professional milestones, pairing local higher education with a full-time role at the credit union.

"My next step is to go to college at JCTC and work full-time at Class Act at the main branch," Malon notes. "I have shown considerable interest in Class Act since before I even started working here, and I really like the environment and the flexible hours and work schedule that they have."

Applying Financial Literacy to Personal Growth

Beyond the industry credentials and corporate networking, Malon’s drive to excel in the financial sector is deeply rooted in a desire to build long-term security and give back to his family.

"Growing up, my family went through a lot of financial struggles," Malon shares. "So I figured that I had to go into a career that allowed me to give back what my parents gave to me growing up."

By earning his CUNA certification and working the front lines of the branch during his high school career, Malon began discovering the core pillars of wealth management and long-term stability. He has quickly adopted these institutional habits, implementing rigorous cash-management strategies directly into his daily personal life.

"For financial stability, I would say saving money, budgeting, and trying to always pick the cheaper option," Malon says. "Having good budgeting skills goes a long way in saving your money."

Developing Crucial Interpersonal Skills

The daily realities of managing member assets also forced Malon to step out of his comfort zone, accelerating his development in high-demand soft skills like customer service and corporate communication. Every conversation at the teller line became an opportunity to refine his professional presence.

"Class Act has helped me develop my public speaking skills and customer service skills," Malon reflects. "I am a lot more open to talking to people that I have not met before because of this job. Because the members come in, I do not know them, I get to talk to them, and then they eventually become regulars, and I talk to them more often."

Armed with a professional certification, three years of financial sector experience, and a deep understanding of market-driven asset management, Malon is stepping into his postsecondary education with the poise of a seasoned banking professional. By breaking down economic barriers today, he is setting the stage to build, protect, and pass down prosperity tomorrow.