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Several Credit Unions Announce New Hires; ICUL Announces 2026 Board Leadership

Photos of Matthew Coggins, Kyle Jones, and Tina Douglas

Several credit unions, including BrightBridge Credit Union and People’s Credit Union, announced new additions to their teams, and the Illinois Credit Union League announced the results of its 2026 Board of Directors election.

New Hires:

  • BrightBridge Credit Union (BrightBridge) is pleased to announce that Matthew Coggins has joined the organization as Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, bringing more than 18 years of experience leading marketing and communications efforts within the financial services industry. Coggins has built a career focused on helping financial institutions elevate their brands and connect more meaningfully with the communities they serve. Most recently, he served as Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Enterprise Bank, where he supported the organization through periods of growth while navigating rapid advancements in technology and evolving member expectations.
  • People’s Credit Union has announced the appointment of Kyle Jones as Head of Wakefield Member Operations, reporting to Shana Silveira, Head of Wakefield Branch. In this role, Mr. Jones will manage the activities and staff of the branch to ensure proper alignment with Credit Union goals and service standards, directly supervising day-to-day operational activities and driving member growth.
  • SELCO Community Credit Union recently hired Francine Gardner as Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer for its Commercial & Business Banking division. Operating out of SELCO’s Gateway branch, Gardner will be tasked with developing new commercial and business banking relationships through business development and community engagement. She will also be responsible for the growth, management, and credit quality of a complex commercial loan portfolio.
  • Reliant Credit Union announced the hiring of Lori Ann Palozzi as a LPL Registered Sales Assistant supporting Reliant Investment Services*. Ms. Palozzi most recently served as Licensed Registered Manager at Northwest Bank, supporting investment services offered through LPL Financial. In her new role, Ms. Palozzi will provide administrative and operational support to the Reliant Investment Services team. Her responsibilities include assisting with account documentation, supporting member transactions, and coordinating follow‑up with clients as needed.

Promotions:

  • Bay Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Crystal Espinoza to Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of their Salinas Branch. In this role, Ms. Espinoza will oversee branch operations, provide leadership and coaching to her team, and ensure an exceptional member experience through personalized financial guidance and community engagement.
  • LAFCU has promoted BethAnn Bailey to branch manager and Diane Myall to assistant quality assurance manager, recognizing their leadership, experience and commitment to supporting the credit union’s members and operations.

Appointments:

  • Mission Fed Credit Union has announced changes to its volunteer Board of Directors slate. Effective immediately, Tina Douglas has been appointed to the Board of Directors, following eight years of service on the Mission Fed Supervisory Committee. Douglas replaces Dr. Kamran Azimzadeh, who retires from the board after a combined 34 years of service.
  • The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) announced the results of its 2026 Board of Directors election following the League’s Annual Delegates Meeting held April 14, 2026. These leadership updates reflect ICUL’s ongoing commitment to strong governance, statewide representation, and the development of future leaders within the credit union movement. 
    • The following directors were elected to the ICUL Board: 
      • Chris Harlan, University of Illinois Community Credit Union (District 1, Class C) 
      • Suzie Bell, Elite Community Credit Union (District 2, Class A) 
      • Deborah Fears, Chicago Post Office Employees Credit Union (District 2, Class D) 
      • Darlyne Keller, Rock Valley Credit Union (District 3, Class B) 
      • Michael Abraham, Great Lakes Credit Union (District 3, Class D)

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