Three credit unions, including USAlliance Financial and Wescom Financial, announced new additions to their teams, and a Vice President & Credit Officer from Land of Lincoln Credit Union earned the designation of Certified Professional Management® by the American Management Association.
New Hires:
- USAlliance Financial has announced significant organizational shifts:
- USALLIANCE welcomed Alex Clarke as Vice President of Real Estate Lending in August 2025, a strategic hire designed to benefit members directly. A seasoned professional, Clarke brings with him over two decades of experience in the residential mortgage industry with deep expertise in loan operations, risk management, secondary markets, and team development. In his new role, he will lead the growth of USALLIANCE’s mortgage division, focusing on streamlining the home-buying journey and ensuring members have access to competitive and flexible mortgage options. Known as a thoughtful and ethical leader, he has a proven track record of scaling operations platforms and will be instrumental in expanding the credit union’s lending capabilities. He joins USALLIANCE from Leader Bank, N.A, where he served as Senior Vice President of Residential Lending Operations.
- Courtney Creighton joined USALLIANCE in mid-December 2024, stepping into her new role as Vice President of Financial Assistance and Loan Servicing. With a strong background in loan servicing, collections, and member relations, she will ensure that members facing financial hardship receive the support they need. Her professional background includes serving as AVP of Loan Resolution and Collections at St. Mary’s Bank, where she was known for developing innovative methods to exceed quotas. Creighton’s strategic approach of proactive communication and effective problem-solving, and her passion for member well-being, align perfectly with USALLIANCE’s mission and values. She also holds the position of President of the New England Adjustment of Mortgage Associates (NEAMA).
- Wescom Financial has appointed Albert Chang as Vice President of Marketing. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing Wescom’s marketing, advertising, and public relations strategy and implementation, guiding the organization’s efforts to expand its reach, elevate its brand presence, and strengthen member connections across its California markets.
- United Federal Credit Union (United) has appointed Josh Madison to the position of Mortgage Advisor based at its Statesville branch at 209 Turnersburg Hwy. In his role, Madison will generate product awareness to credit union members regarding their real estate financing needs and generate investment quality mortgage loans. He will use his knowledge in the industry to provide quality real estate lending experience through personal financial counseling.
Recognitions:
- LLCU announced that Vice President/Credit Officer, Jesse Winter, has earned the designation of Certified Professional Management® by the American Management Association (AMA-CPM). This certification is a part of a professional accreditation program designed to enhance an individual’s ability to manage others effectively, to lead within an organization, and to follow a standard of excellence in management.
Promotions:
- USAlliance Financial has announced significant organizational shifts:
- Dan O’Brien has been appointed to the newly created role of Vice President of Digital and Innovation, where he’ll lead the charge on developing and implementing cutting-edge digital strategies. Having been with USALLIANCE since 2013, Dan has been instrumental in pushing the credit union to the technical forefront of the industry. His expertise in emerging technologies, Agile and DevOps methodologies, cloud computing, and API integration will be key to enhancing the member experience. He will prioritize optimizing the credit union’s digital banking platform and exploring new technologies that simplify financial management for USALLIANCE members. In this new position, Dan’s responsibilities will expand to coordinate the technological and business aspects of digital operations, continuing his legacy of creating innovative and effective solutions for both members and internal staff.
- Telhio Credit Union is proud to announce a new partnership between Telhio Wealth Management and LPL Financial to offer comprehensive wealth management services to its members. Through this collaboration, Telhio members now have access to experienced financial advisors who provide personalized guidance in areas such as retirement planning, investment management, insurance solutions, and financial advice.Telhio Wealth Management’s dedicated financial advisors, Drew Witchousky and Tyler Ross, are available to serve members across all Telhio branch locations. Both are registered representatives through LPL Financial and bring a wealth of experience and credentials to their roles.
Appointments:
- The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) has elected Kelli Ellsworth Etchison to its national board of directors for a three-year term. Ellsworth Etchison is the chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer for LAFCU. She also serves as CEO of the StableCommunities Foundation powered by LAFCU. Her election elevates Michigan’s role in the national credit union movement and underscores LAFCU’s leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the financial services industry. Ellsworth Etchison will join peers from across the country in helping guide strategies that shape the future of credit unions and their ability to serve African Americans and other underrepresented communities.