Robins Financial Announces Five Promotions and Several Credit Unions Announce New Hires

Robins Financial Credit Union announced five promotions to its leadership staff, and several credit unions including CUSG and Workers Credit Union announced new additions to their staffs.

New Hires

• CUSG is pleased to announce that David Casey has joined the company as its new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). With more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and IT leadership, David brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to CUSG. “We are thrilled to have David joining our team! David brings years of experience protecting and modernizing security operations for large entities such as hospitals, universities, and financial institutions. He will work with our team to ensure we have best-in-class protection for our company and our clients,” said Patty Corkery, CUSG President and CEO. “In this environment, it is critical that companies invest in the best and brightest to protect clients’ data and information as well as develop and maintain resiliency.”

• Peter Fredericks has joined Workers Credit Union as a Financial Advisor in the credit union’s Retirement Planning and Investment Center. With 30 years of financial industry experience, Fredericks helps members with their long-term investment and financial stability goals. He has held positions at Putnam Investments, Lincoln Financial Securities and most recently, Edward Jones.

• First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech) announced the appointment of Evelyn Prime-MacAdam to the SVP of Digital Products, where she will drive digital innovation to deliver an exceptional member experience. Prime-MacAdam will report directly to First Tech Chief Experience Officer Jason Heupel. In this new role, Prime-MacAdam will be instrumental in developing the product roadmap, overseeing the digital products team, and directing the member experience across channels. Her work will ultimately move First Tech forward as digital innovators in the tech space.

• Travis Credit Union (TCU) announced the hiring of Melissa Palwick as vice president of consumer and home lending solutions. Melissa is responsible for strategic planning, development, execution and achievement of all lending activities at Travis Credit Union, including product management, territory management, team performance and revenue growth. 

• Velera, formerly PSCU/Co-op Solutions, announced Ryan Myers has been named senior vice president of Consulting. In his role, Myers is responsible for driving Velera’s consulting strategy with a focus on integrating the CUSO’s Advisors Plus and SmartGrowth consulting teams, while ensuring the continued delivery of impactful, results-driven consulting engagements. He will also lead the expansion of new consulting areas to better assist all credit unions in achieving growth and scalability, along with building a team to support implementation of recommendations.

Promotions

• Robins Financial Credit Union announced five promotions to senior management positions in response to the overall growth and direction of the organization. Individuals promoted include: 

  • Dee Dee Côté to the role of Executive Vice President/Chief Growth Officer. Côté’s proven track record and dedication to member satisfaction will be invaluable as she oversees the development and implementation of strategies that strengthen our market position and enhance the member experience.

  • John Cozart to the role of Chief Operations Officer. Cozart's extensive operational and technical knowledge will ensure our day-to-day operations continue to run smoothly and efficiently, supporting our credit union.

  • Chris Parker to the role of Chief Risk Officer/General Counsel. Parker's strong legal background and understanding of risk management will be crucial as we navigate growth and maintain the highest standards of security for our credit union.

  • Amy Etheridge to the role of Senior Vice President of Strategy & Transformation. Etheridge’s strategic thinking and leadership skills will be instrumental in developing and executing key initiatives that propel us forward in new markets and member segments.

  • Marin Kovarovic to the role of Vice President of Accounting. Kovarovic's strong financial acumen and leadership will ensure our resources are managed effectively, fueling our strategic growth objectives. 

• Corporate Central is proud to announce the promotion of Cameron Krueger, CCUFC, to the position of Website and Design Specialist. In this role, Krueger will be responsible for creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites, ensuring seamless navigation and optimal user experience. His role will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams, implementing design principles, product positioning, and staying abreast of industry trends to enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the websites.

• Redwood Credit Union welcomes two external mortgage loan officers, Taylor McNeany and Michael Madsen, to help people aspiring to buy or refinance a home. McNeany and Madsen will work closely with the local community to increase awareness of RCU’s home loan programs and guide Members toward home loan options tailored for them.

Transitions

• Alloya Corporate FCU announced that Tom Slefinger, Senior Vice President of Institutional Fixed Income Sales, will step down from his leadership role at Alloya Investment Services as he transitions into a new role as the corporate’s Market Strategist. “With his passion for writing credit union-focused commentary on the economy and market events, Tom has been and will continue to be such an asset to the Alloya team and the credit unions we serve,” remarked Andrew Kohl, CFA, President of Alloya Solutions, LLC and Chief Investment Officer of Alloya. “Tom has gained quite the following over the years through his speaking engagements, Daily Market Commentary and Weekly Relative Value newsletter. We’re thrilled Tom will continue to serve members in this capacity for the foreseeable future.”

Appointments

• Hawaii State Federal Credit Union (Hawaii State FCU) announced that Brennon Morioka, dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Darren Nakao, executive vice president and chief financial officer at UHA Health Insurance, have been elected to serve on its volunteer board of directors. Monica Toguchi Ryan, owner and president of Highway Inn, has been reelected to the board for her third and final term. Morioka, Nakao and Toguchi Ryan will all serve new three-years terms, effective June 22, 2024.

• BrightStar Credit Union is proud to announce Dustin Jacobs, VP of Marketing, has been named Chair of the Broward Education Foundation (BEF) Board of Directors. BEF is a community-driven, charitable organization dedicated to serving students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools. "Dustin has been a passionate and dedicated board officer for the past several years, and we’re thrilled that he’s now leading the board,” said James A. Knapp, president and CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “His experience and vision are an asset to us as we continue to support and serve the students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools.”

• OCCU has appointed two associate members to its board of directors: Jefferson Curl and Dena Putnam-Gilchrist. In addition, Justin Freeman has been elected as a new director. Curl and Putnam-Gilchrist have joined OCCU’s board as part of the credit union’s associate board member program. This initiative seeks to identify and train potential board directors and supplement the knowledge and experience of the board.