First Community Credit Union, Royal Credit Union, and Securityplus Federal Credit Union announced appointments to various boards while Robins Financial Credit Union and BayPort Credit Union announced promotions within their organizations.

New Hires

Royal Credit Union (Royal) announces Samantha Bernadot as Member Service Supervisor. In this position, Bernadot is responsible for leading and developing the call center Member Service team, as well as working with staff to exceed Member expectations. Bernadot joined Royal with ten years of banking experience. She began her career behind the teller line and worked her way up to a training and supervisor position. At Royal, Bernadot is looking forward to leading her new team to success and helping them reach their goals.

Recognitions

The Minnesota Credit Union Network presented the Outstanding Credit Union Professional of the Year and Director of the Year at a ceremony held during the MnCUN ACCELERATE 24 Conference on April 19 at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minn. The 2024 Outstanding Professional the Year is Brian Volkmann, CFO and Executive Vice President of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, and the Outstanding Director of the Year is Lou Bruno, Board Chair of City & County Credit Union. The Outstanding Professional of the Year is given to a remarkable person who truly stands behind the “people helping people” credit union philosophy.

Promotions

Robins Financial Credit Union proudly announces the promotion of Chelsea Crawford to Marketing Project Manager. In her new role, Crawford will use her experience and education in Marketing and Project Management to play a pivotal role in overseeing the more traditional aspects of the credit union’s Marketing department. Her responsibilities will include advertising, media placement, managing promotions, creative strategies, branch retail, branding, and overseeing direct mail campaigns among other key areas.

BayPort Credit Union has announced key leadership promotions within the organization. Chief Operations Officer Jennifer Coyne and Chief Financial Officer Lewis Smith, respectively, have been promoted to Executive Vice President positions. Both Coyne and Smith have exhibited outstanding leadership and expertise. Their contributions to BayPort have led to the credit union's continued growth and success. "Jennifer has been instrumental in streamlining our operations, optimizing efficiencies, and driving growth and innovation across our business. Likewise, Lewis has consistently demonstrated unparalleled financial judgement guiding us through periods of growth and ensuring the financial health of our organization. I am confident their continued leadership will propel our credit union to even greater heights," said Jim Mears, President/Chief Executive Officer.

Appointments

First Community Credit Union (FirstCCU) is pleased to announce Mike Pogorelec has been appointed to the Stateline Boys & Girls Club’s Board of Directors. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Stateline Boys and Girls Club,” said Pogorelec. “The Boys and Girls Club carries out a mission that offers positive experiences and opportunities to kids in our communities. As a coach for over 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with kids and families of all different backgrounds. Watching those kids grow as individuals and achieve their goals has been immensely rewarding. I’m eager to contribute to the clubs effort of making a positive impact in the Stateline area.”

Royal Credit Union (Royal) held its 60th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 30, at Royal’s Corporate Center. Two board members were re-elected to three-year terms— Bill Blackburn and John Sackett. Blackburn was elected to Royal Credit Union’s Board of Directors in 2005. He currently serves on the Finance Committee and Credit Oversight Committee. Prior to serving on the board, Bill was employed by Royal for nine years, with his final seven in business lending. He left Royal in 2001 to pursue an opportunity to own his own business. Sackett has served on the board for over 40 years. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Audit Committee and serves on the Political Action Committee. John previously served as Chairperson of the board for 17 years and Treasurer for 10 years.

Securityplus Federal Credit Union, a trusted financial institution serving the greater Baltimore community, is proud to announce the appointment of Jeff Gehris, Chief Operating Officer, to the board of the Baltimore County Region United Network (RUN) for the United Way of Central Maryland, and Obi Ndukwe, Chief People & Impact Officer, to the board of the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce. These appointments reflect Securityplus’s dedication to serving and strengthening its communities through impactful initiatives, financial empowerment, and a shared belief that everyone should have the opportunity to thrive.