Corporate Central is pleased to announce that Pete Paulson has joined the team as Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer (SVP/COO). In this pivotal role, Paulson will oversee key operations that align with Corporate Central’s strategic direction and initiatives, driving the credit union’s mission forward.

As SVP/COO, Paulson will lead the Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, and Human Resources departments, ensuring their success in meeting organizational goals. He will oversee exam and audit activities in compliance with all applicable regulations and policies. Additionally, Paulson will develop and implement contingency, incident response, and operational resiliency plans, ensuring Corporate Central’s long-term operational stability. A critical part of his role includes fostering an “employer of choice” culture by mentoring, managing, and developing talent while coordinating interdepartmental processes focused on risk management, talent acquisition, and organizational efficiency.

“We are honored and excited to welcome Pete to our executive team,” said Chris Felton, President/CEO. “Having served on our board for eight years, Pete is deeply familiar with our mission, culture, and operations. He is an exceptional leader, a tremendous credit union soul, and just a great person. His diverse experience and passion for the credit union movement make him the ideal fit for this role.”

Paulson brings a wealth of experience in the credit union industry, having spent his entire career working in various roles including branches, lending, operations, training, IT, and executive leadership. His career includes leading a CUSO and a philanthropic organization, and he has served on boards for the Illinois Credit Union League, Envisant, and Corporate Central Credit Union. He also served on the Illinois Board of Credit Union Advisors, which is a statutory advisory group appointed by the Governor. A visionary leader, Paulson holds the Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation and is a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE). His work with the Filene Research Institute’s i3 and Think Tank initiatives reflects his dedication to advancing credit union professionals and innovative thinking in the industry.

“I have long admired Corporate Central for its exceptional team and the genuine care they show for the people they serve,” said Paulson. “The employees here are not only friendly and professional, but they also demonstrate integrity every day. I am thrilled to be part of this remarkable organization.”

Paulson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Loyola University of Chicago. He began his journey in the credit union industry as a college student and has since built a distinguished career working at credit unions of all sizes.

Outside of work, Paulson and his wife enjoy traveling and staying involved in their children’s lives as proud empty nesters. He has also served on his church council and endowment board and remains an active volunteer in various community organizations.