Credit Union Connection

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Illinois Credit Union System Announces Leadership Transition: Tom Kane to Retire, Libby Calderone Named Successor

The Boards of Directors of the Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) and the ICUL Service Corporation (Envisant) jointly announced today a planned leadership transition, marking a new chapter for the organization. Effective December 31, 2024, Tom Kane will retire from the position of Chief Executive Officer. The Boards of Directors are pleased to also announce the selection of Libby Calderone, currently Envisant’s President & Chief Operating Officer, to lead the Illinois Credit Union League and Envisant as President & Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2025.

“Today’s leadership announcement is the culmination of a successful planning process the Boards, Tom, and Libby have worked on together for the past 2 years. My fellow directors and I would like to thank Tom for his thoughtful and determined leadership and unwavering commitment to credit unions in Illinois and nationwide during his 21 years with the Illinois Credit Union System, including the last 9 as CEO of ICUL and Envisant,” said Joseph Kregul, ICUL and Envisant Board Chair. “Tom has transformed the League and Envisant, leaving us favorably positioned for a strong and successful future.  We are pleased and fortunate he has agreed to stay on in a part-time advisory capacity so we can continue to draw upon his expertise.”

“It has been my pleasure, privilege, and honor to lead ICUL and Envisant as CEO,” said Mr. Kane. “I want to thank the Boards of Directors, our dedicated staff, and member credit unions for their support through the years. I’ve known Libby as CEO of Earthmover Credit Union, an Envisant Board Director, and most recently as a trusted member of my Executive Team. I have great confidence her experience, track record of innovation, and passion for credit unions will position both entities to thrive into future.”

With more than 3 decades in the credit union movement, Libby Calderone possesses a wealth of accomplishments and leadership experience. Prior to joining Envisant in 2018 as President & Chief Operating Officer, she served as CEO/President of Earthmover Credit Union in Oswego, Illinois. With a deep understanding of the company’s goals, vision, and values, Ms. Calderone is poised to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Ms. Calderone said, “I am honored to be selected to lead the Illinois Credit Union League and Envisant as the organization’s first female President & CEO. I’m very appreciative of the Board’s faith in me; it’s a privilege to follow in Tom’s footsteps, whose energy and collaborative spirit are inspiring. His mark on the League and Envisant is indelible, and I have profound respect for him as a leader and friend. As we build on the foundation established in his tenure, our talented team is ready to continue providing credit unions with the resources and expertise necessary to help them thrive in today’s competitive financial landscape.”

“The Boards of Directors enthusiastically endorse Libby as President & Chief Executive Officer of ICUL and Envisant. She has made a remarkable impact on the organization during her tenure and her appointment brings continuity to the organization and ensures we will continue to build on the positive momentum of the past few years,” said Mr. Kregul.