Several credit unions, including Chartway Credit Union and Robins Financial Credit Union, announced new additions to their leadership teams, and Members First Credit Union announced the retirement of its Board Chair.
New Hires:
- Chartway is pleased to welcome Russ Cronin, who has joined the credit union as its new senior vice president of financial strategy & accounting. Russ is an experienced finance executive with an impressive track record in strategic planning, regulatory leadership, and aligning financial operations with long-term strategy for both credit unions and commercial banks.
- Robins Financial Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Alise Gumm to the position of Member Engagement Manager. In her new role, Gumm’s top priorities will include enhancing internal collaboration, evaluating products and services to better support members, and fostering an inclusive environment where team feedback and innovation are celebrated.
- United Federal Credit Union (United) has appointed Andrea Ausra as the Vice President of Production Support. Ausra brings over 24 years of extensive experience in mortgage loan operations, underwriting, and management to her new role at United.
- Valley First Credit Union is proud to welcome Patrick Brown as its new Vice President of Commercial Banking. Based in the Fresno area, Brown will lead the Valley First’s efforts to expand and strengthen business banking relationships throughout Valley First’s Southern Region (Kern County up to Merced County), providing tailored lending and deposit solutions for local businesses. He will report directly to the Chief Lending Officer.
Recognitions:
- Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to congratulate Card Services Manager Alicia Kennedy for 25 years of service. Alicia currently resides in Fort Walton Beach. “Over the past 25 years, Alicia has been a steadfast presence at Eglin FCU, contributing in various roles throughout her tenure. Her dedication and reliability have been instrumental in maintaining the smooth operation of our team,” said SVP/Chief Payments Officer Dawn Oravetz. “We appreciate Alicia’s consistent effort and commitment to getting the job done, and we look forward to her continued contributions in the years to come.”
- FORUM Credit Union CEO, Doug True, won the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award at the 7th Annual Mt. Vernon Education Foundation Gala on Saturday, April 12. The gala was hosted at the Indiana Roof Ballroom and honored Mt. Vernon’s teachers, staff, alumni, and community leaders who champion education. The event raised more than $25,000 to fund a new library at the Mt. Vernon Intermediate School opening this fall. The Community Foundation of Hancock County also played a role in the evening event.
Retirements:
- Members First Credit Union (M1) proudly announces the retirement of its Board Chair, Bob Cooper, after 26 years of exceptional leadership. Under Cooper’s guidance, the credit union has transformed from a small cooperative of teachers into a thriving financial institution serving over 66,000 members across Michigan.
Promotions:
- Greylock Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the promotion of Brianna Lison to branch manager of its Great Barrington branch. In her role, Lison manages an expanded team, and plays an active role in business development, promoting Greylock’s products and services. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, managing branch compliance, originating mortgage and home equity loans, originating and underwriting consumer loans, and maintaining an extensive variety of member accounts.
Appointments:
- The California Credit Union League is pleased to announce the appointment of Nav Khanna as the Asset Group C Director to its Board of Directors as of April 2, 2025. As an Asset Group C Director, Khanna will serve as a vital link between the League and its member credit unions, providing strategic guidance and oversight to ensure continued success and growth.
- Purdue Federal Credit Union (Purdue Federal) held its 2025 Annual Meeting and board election on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Kurz Purdue Technology Center in the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, Ind. Members elected Joe Balagtas, Jená Bellezza, and John Schneider as members of the board of directors for a three-year term. Balagtas is a professor of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University, Bellezza is a community advocate in Northwest Indiana, and Schneider is retired from Purdue University. Officers for the 2025-26 board of directors are Edgar Cyr, Chair; John Schneider, Vice Chair; Laura Carson, Treasurer; Jená Bellezza, Secretary; and Joe Balagtas, Doug Crider, Rick Davis, David Kish and Sundeep Rao, Directors.
- TBA Credit Union is pleased to announce updates to its Board of Directors. These individuals bring vast expertise as service industry leaders and will guide the credit union in its continued innovative tech-forward approach.
- Mario Palomino has been appointed as an Associate Board Member. Mario graduated from Oakland University with a bachelor’s in Health Science and a minor in Exercise Science and owns Palomino Physical Therapy & Performance with his wife. Passionate about the community, Palomino also provides free monthly support groups for those affected by Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers.
- Jessica Young has been designated as Board Chairperson. Additionally, Kathy Douglass and Kyle Attwood have been reelected for another term, with Attwood being appointed as Vice Chairperson.