CU Strategic Planning Applauds Selection

The Board of Directors of NACUSO announced the selection of Ronaldo Hardy as the organization’s new President/CEO.

“NACUSO is a dynamic, energetic, and collaborative organization,” Lone Star Credit Union CEO Becky Reed, chairperson of the NACUSO Board. “Ronaldo embodies all of those qualities, which made him an ideal choice to lead the association through its continued journey.” 

Search Committee Chair Nick Evens, president/CEO of Curql, added, “Ronaldo’s experience, passion, and integrity were key in making him an ideal selection to be the next leader of NACUSO. We believe he can deliver on the Board’s vision and plan for growth of the Association and carry on the legacy that Jack Antonini has built.” 

Hardy succeeds Jack Antonini, who will retire this summer after serving as NACUSO’s President/CEO since 2010. "I am honored to join this great organization and to build on the foundation that has been established,” Hardy said. “NACUSO holds a pivotal position in propelling our industry forward through its focus on innovation and collaboration. As we forge ahead, I look forward to working with our board and staff to expand our reach and impact for the collective success of our movement."

CU Strategic Planning Touts Hardy’s Impact

“We’re excited to see the impact Ronaldo will have at NACUSO, an organization founded on sparking collaboration and innovation within the credit union community,” CU Strategic Planning CEO Stacy Augustine said.

Hardy joined CU Strategic Planning to launch its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Accessibility practice in October 2019. Since that time, he’s achieved significant accomplishments as an owner of the firm. His DEIBA consulting and thought leadership has touched the lives of nearly 2,500 credit union employees and nearly one million credit union members through 150 credit unions and industry organizations.

She continued, “Ronaldo’s legacy during his time at CU Strategic Planning has been organizational change. CU Strategic Planning and many of our credit unions are more inclusive, diverse and equitable organizations as a result of Ronaldo’s efforts.” When he joined CU Strategic Planning, it was a much smaller organization and his was one of the only faces of color. Today, the company comprises 22% Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).

“CU Strategic Planning looks forward to continuing its DEIBA journey and incorporating its work with CDFIs,” Augustine concluded.

Hardy Built a Meaningful Career

Hardy also hosts Opportunity Knock$, the Telly award-winning PBS series created by CU Strategic PlanningFounder/Owner Jamie Strayer. The reality show, inspired by her work with Community Development Financial Institutions, features CDFI-certified credit unions and nonprofits guiding families from the brink of financial ruin to financial empowerment.

NACUSO called Hardy an innovative and results-driven leader. His background boasts more than 18 years of progressive management experience in people development, human resources, sales, service, finance, operations, marketing, business development and technology. Prior to his most recent role with CU Strategic Planning, he served as the president/CEO of Southwest Louisiana Credit Union and president/CEO of Shell Geismar Federal Credit Union.

Hardy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Louisiana- Monroe, and a master’s degree in human resources education from Louisiana State University. He is a well-known industry expert on innovation, millennials and DEI. Ronaldo has extensive relationships within the credit union industry and has spoken to top organizations, including CUNA, the NCUA, CUES, the Filene Research Institute, the Underground by Mitchell Stankovic & Assoc., and CO-OP. He is also a charter member of CUNA’s young professional initiative and helped launch the national young professionals’ conference.