Members First Credit Union (M1) just made it official: John Pepmeier is their new Chief Financial Officer.
And honestly? It’s about time they gave him the permanent gig.
Pepmeier first joined the M1 crew back in 2023 as Vice President of Finance, and he’s been making waves ever since. When the credit union needed someone to step up as Interim CFO, he didn’t just keep the lights on—he actually moved things forward. Now, after proving himself in the hot seat, he’s getting the keys to the kingdom full-time.
Here’s what makes this interesting: Pepmeier brings more than 15 years of finance and banking chops to the table. But what really sets him apart isn’t just number-crunching prowess (though he’s got plenty of that). It’s his knack for taking complicated financial concepts and making them actually understandable to normal humans. You know, the kind of person who can explain derivatives without making your eyes glaze over.
His approach? Collaboration over solo heroics. During his time at M1, he’s built a reputation for bringing teams together and helping people make smarter decisions with better information. Think less “finance guy locked in a spreadsheet cave” and more “strategic partner who actually wants to see everyone win.”
“John embodies the kind of leadership we value at Members First,” said Carrie Iafrate, President and CEO of Members First Credit Union. “He leads with humility, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. During his time as Interim Chief Financial Officer, John built trust across the organization through his collaborative approach, transparency, and ability to bring people together around shared goals. We are excited to have his leadership continue as we look toward the future.”
For his part, Pepmeier seems genuinely stoked about the promotion. “I am honored to step into the role of Chief Financial Officer and continue serving alongside such an incredible team,” he said. “Members First has a strong foundation built on purpose, trust, and a commitment to our members. I look forward to working together to continue strengthening our organization, investing in our communities, and helping our members achieve their goals on their journey of well-being.”
In his new role, Pepmeier will oversee the big-picture financial strategy while leading the Finance and Accounting, Commercial, Card Services, and Payments teams. It’s a lot of plates to keep spinning, but if his track record is any indication, he’s more than ready for the challenge.
The promotion signals M1’s commitment to investing in leaders who get what the credit union is all about: serving members, supporting communities, and building something that actually matters beyond the balance sheet.