BrightStar Credit Union, one of the largest and fastest-growing credit unions in South Florida, has named Natasha Schneider as chief financial officer and promoted Guy Petroro to chief lending officer.
Schneider’s appointment is the culmination of more than 20 years of progressive financial leadership at BrightStar. Most recently, she served as vice president of finance, where she strengthened the organization’s financial management, planning and operational performance. Her work included budget preparation, asset-liability management, and financial and regulatory reporting. She also spearheaded major debit and credit card initiatives, developed specialized rewards programs for educators and business members, and implemented systems and process improvements that enhanced efficiency, profitability, and the overall member experience.
In her new role as chief financial officer, Schneider will set the credit union’s long-term financial direction and guide major strategic decisions to support sustainable growth. She will lead company-wide budgeting and forecasting, building comprehensive financial plans, and monitoring performance. Schneider will also oversee cash flow and capital management to ensure strong liquidity, prudent allocation of resources and disciplined balance sheet management. She will also direct financial reporting and regulatory compliance, maintaining rigorous internal controls and overseeing audit processes to uphold transparency and accountability.
In addition, Schneider will drive enterprise performance analysis, tracking results, identifying risks and opportunities, and advancing operational efficiency across the organization. As a key advisor to the executive leadership team and board of directors, she will provide data-driven insights that inform strategy and strengthen governance.
Beyond BrightStar, Schneider has served for more than a decade on the Card Services Advisory Committee for Credit Unions, contributing to broader industry dialogue and strategic initiatives. fi She has been recognized internally with several honors, including being one of three BrightStar employees ever to receive the Bulldog Award, which celebrates perseverance and exceptional performance.
Schneider is also actively involved in local initiatives supported by BrightStar and remains committed to delivering trusted financial solutions that assist members, businesses and the broader South Florida community.
Petroro’s promotion further strengthens the credit union’s executive leadership team. He brings more than 25 years of experience across the credit union and banking sectors, with extensive expertise in the South Florida market. For the past 15 years, Petroro has held senior management positions with responsibilities including operational oversight, portfolio growth and strategic planning.
Since joining BrightStar as senior vice president of lending in 2024, Petroro has been instrumental in managing and expanding its mortgage, auto, commercial, business and consumer lending divisions, aligning strategies with the organization’s financial objectives and delivering competitive, member-focused solutions.
In his new role as chief lending officer, Petroro will oversee all loan operations across the organization. He will guide portfolio performance, drive product innovation and strengthen risk management practices to support sustainable growth. His leadership will help ensure BrightStar continues to meet the evolving needs of its members and the communities it serves.