OnPath Credit Union just made a power move in the HR department, tapping Ruben Bonales as their new Chief People Officer. And if his resume is any indication, they’ve landed someone who knows a thing or two about building strong teams.
Bonales comes to OnPath with serious credentials—we’re talking 25 years of human resources leadership under his belt. His most recent gig? Vice President of Human Resources for a multi-unit restaurant brand managing over 20,000 employees. That’s not just herding cats; that’s orchestrating an entire zoo. During his tenure there, he revamped hiring processes, tightened up budgeting, and gave the company’s employer brand a much-needed glow-up.
“We are excited to have Ruben join the OnPath team,” says Jared Freeman, President and CEO of OnPath Credit Union. “His experience leading workforce strategies and designing scalable HR operating models will help us continue to deliver on our mission of being true financial advocates for our members and communities we serve.”
For Bonales, the move wasn’t just about the next career step—it was about mission alignment. “OnPath’s commitment to its members and community is what drew me to this role,” he explains. “I look forward to working with this dedicated team as they continue making a lasting impact as Louisiana’s premier credit union.”
Beyond the corporate credentials, Bonales brings some serious leadership chops from his time serving our country. He’s a proud United States Air Force veteran who spent over a decade as an Assistant Flight Chief—which means he’s been managing high-stakes situations and diverse teams long before he entered the civilian workforce.
On the education front, Bonales holds both a Master of Education in Business and a Bachelor of Science from Wayland Baptist University. The executive search was handled by DDJ Myers.