Two credit unions, including Ocean State Credit Union, announced new additions to their teams, and the President of First Financial Federal Credit Union was recently named to The Daily Record’s inaugural MD500.
New Hires:
- Ocean State Credit Union (OSCU) announced the appointment of Krista Rousseau as Branch Manager, bringing more than 15 years of financial services experience and a proven record of operational leadership, team development and exceptional customer service to the credit union. In her new role, Rousseau will lead branch operations while advancing OSCU’s commitment to delivering a highly personal, member-focused banking experience. She will oversee branch personnel, staff development, regulatory compliance, lending activity and operational performance while fostering community relationships that support awareness and growth.
- The Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) is pleased to welcome Kaelixte Wagner to its team as Member Engagement and Communications Coordinator and Executive Director of the Dakota Credit Union Foundation. Wagner joins DakCU with several years of experience in the credit union industry, most recently serving at Black Hills Federal Credit Union (FCU) in Rapid City, South Dakota, as an administrative communications specialist, where she supported executive leadership, strategic communications, employee engagement, and organizational initiatives.
- People’s Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Leiyina Tavarez as Head of Retail, where she will join the leadership team under Bill DeWitt, Head of Member Delivery & Marketing, In her role, Tavarez will provide strategic leadership for the credit union’s retail banking initiatives across all branch offices, the Member Service Center, and business development.
Recognitions:
- First Financial Federal Credit Union proudly announces that President James Wheeler has been recognized to The Daily Record’s inaugural MD500, a list which recognizes Maryland’s most influential and impactful leaders across business, nonprofits, law, higher education, and other sectors. The MD500 honors those who are shaping the future of Maryland through exceptional leadership and service. Selected across 38 industries, the inaugural honorees represent a diverse group of individuals making a meaningful impact within their organizations, industries, and communities.
- Building on its recognition as a four-time winner of the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, Virginia Credit Union (VACU) has reached a notable workplace milestone, with two of its branch operations leaders named Top 10 finalists for Gallup’s prestigious Manager of the Year award in consecutive years. Assistant Vice President Area Sales Manager Tim Turner earned the recognition in 2025, and Assistant Vice President Branch Manager Zach Hatfield was named a finalist in 2026 — back-to-back honors that further validate VACU’s reputation as one of the world’s top workplaces.
Promotions:
- Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced that Taylor Rhodes will now serve as Branch Manager of the Effingham South branch (2302 S. Banker St.). Rhodes will oversee the sales and operations of the Effingham South branch, as well as serving members as Loan Officer. Rhodes has been with LLCU for two years and during that time has successfully transitioned from the role of Teller to Universal Banker at LLCU’s at Vandalia, IL branch.