Say you’ve been a Chartway member for years. You open the app, move some money, and maybe apply for a car loan, all without a hitch. Behind that smooth experience is a team deciding what gets built, what gets fixed, and who keeps the whole operation running. This week, that team got a new second-in-command.
Chartway Credit Union has promoted Rob Keatts to executive vice president and chief operating officer. He’ll also stay on as president of Chartway Ventures, the credit union’s wholly owned Credit Union Service Organization (a CUSO, which is a business credit unions own to deliver services and invest in new ideas). Chartway says the move reflects its continued growth and strategic progression.
Think of it like a restaurant kitchen. The head chef sets the menu and the vision, but someone has to make sure every station is prepped, every order goes out on time, and next season’s dishes are in testing. In this new role, Keatts becomes that close partner to President and CEO Brian Schools. He’ll help lead day-to-day operations and push forward enterprise priorities that serve members, communities, and team members. His responsibilities are expected to grow as Chartway’s leadership structure evolves.
Schools made his confidence clear. “Rob has an exceptional ability to deliver for today while also innovating for tomorrow,” he said. “Over the past 10 years, his energy, leadership, and broad experience have made a meaningful difference for our members, communities, team, and partners. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with him every day, and I’m excited about what’s to come.”
Keatts struck a similar note. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Chartway in this new capacity,” he said. “Our strongest results come from connecting strategy with disciplined execution and keeping members at the center of our decisions. Together with our leadership team, we will continue to build on Chartway’s momentum and help more individuals and families thrive.”
His résumé explains the pick. Keatts arrived in 2016 as chief information officer, then moved into the roles of chief strategy officer and chief growth officer. Along the way, his reach stretched across:
- Technology
- Digital banking
- Enterprise strategy
- Innovation
- Marketing
- Lending
- Corporate development
As president of Chartway Ventures, he also leads investment efforts aimed at scalable innovation and emerging financial technologies that improve the member experience.
What to watch next: Chartway says Keatts’ duties will keep expanding as its leadership structure changes, so further organizational updates may follow. Keep an eye on Chartway Ventures too, where any new fintech investments could eventually show up in the tools members use every day.