Several Credit Unions Announce New Hires; The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates Announce 2024 Credit Unions of the Year

Several credit unions, including Robins Financial Credit Union and Bayport Credit Union, announced additions to their teams, and The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates named the recipients of the 2024 Credit Union of the Year Awards.

New Hires:

• Robins Financial Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Siggy Tetteh as the new Vice President of Information Technology. With over 28 years of experience in the IT industry and a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Tetteh brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the role as he joins the credit union’s executive team.
• BayPort Credit Union has announced a new appointment within the organization’s Executive leadership team. BayPort welcomes Biren Sasmal to the new position of Vice President of Payments and Deposit Solutions. Sasmal brings more than 25 years of experience in operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation across complex financial operational environments. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President at Citibank. Sasmal holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Indian State University and has completed the Executive Leadership Program at Stanford University.
• SELCO Community Credit Union recently hired Donny Macneish as a personal lines specialist for SELCO Insurance Services. He will be based in SELCO’s West Redmond office in Central Oregon. In this role, Macneish will sell homeowners, auto, and life insurance products and provide ongoing service to clients in the Redmond market.
• SW&M LLP is pleased to announce that Justin Anderson has joined the firm as Of Counsel. Justin’s arrival further strengthens the firm’s nationally recognized team, marks the launch of a new Subordinated Debt practice, and solidifies SW&M’s presence on the East Coast with his location in the Washington, D.C. area. Justin brings over 17 years of experience as a regulatory and litigation attorney for the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Most notably, he led the development and implementation of the agency’s Subordinated Debt rule and was a key legal advisor to the  Department of the Treasury on its Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP). This resulted in over $2 billion in capital investments in credit unions nationwide. His outstanding contributions were recognized through several honors, including co-leading NCUA’s 2013 “Derivatives Working Group,” which was awarded Team of the Year for its pioneering work in expanding credit union investment authorities.
• LAFCU has expanded its team with the addition of two seasoned professionals dedicated to fostering community and business relationships across Michigan. Sean Cervantes and Lisa Sprague bring extensive experience in finance, business development, and management, further strengthening LAFCU’s commitment to growth and member engagement.

Recognitions:

• The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates proudly presented the 2024 Credit Union of the Year Awards during the Inaugural ENGAGE Conference, held in Orlando, Florida. These prestigious awards recognize credit unions and credit union professionals who have demonstrated exceptional service, innovation, and community impact. This year’s award winners, recognized by asset size, are:
  • Credit Union of the Year (More Than $500 Million in Assets):
    Chartway Credit Union – Virginia Beach, Virginia
  • Credit Union of the Year (Up to $100 Million in Assets):
    Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union – Petersburg, Virginia
  • Credit Union of the Year ($100 Million to $500 Million in Assets):
    Platinum Federal Credit Union – Duluth, Georgia

Promotions:

• BayPort Credit Union has announced a promotion. Craig Zuidema has been promoted from Vice President of Consumer Lending to Chief Lending Officer. In his new role as Chief Lending Officer, Zuidema will oversee the credit union’s collections activities, as well as consumer, business and mortgage lending operations. Zuidema is a credit union industry professional with over 32 years of experience in consumer lending, sales, and account management. Prior to joining BayPort, he was Vice President of Lending for ABNB Federal Credit Union and an Account Vice President for CUNA Mutual Group. Zuidema holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Old Dominion University. Zuidema is also a Certified Credit Union Executive.
• Addition Financial Credit Union is proud to announce the promotion of Yomary Velez to Vice President of Retail Banking, a key leadership role responsible for directing the operations of the credit union’s growing branch network and its High School Branch Program. In her new role, Velez will oversee the organization’s entire branch network that will total 37 branches and 11 high school branches following Addition Financial’s pending merger with Envision Credit Union. Reporting directly to the COO, she will lead strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the member experience, fostering community impact, and empowering high-performing teams.

Appointments:

• The Credit Union Association of New Mexico (CUANM) welcomes new faces to its Board of Directors and ushers in a new chapter of leadership while maintaining the strength of long-standing service. 
  • CUANM is proud to welcome two new members to its Board: 
    • Matt Rarden, CEO of Kirtland Credit Union 
    • Phillip Fifield, CEO of White Sands Federal Credit Union 
    • In addition, Matt Schmidt, CEO of Los Alamos Schools Federal Credit Union, has been appointed Chair of the Board. He succeeds Judy Carrasco, CEO of Financial Security Credit Union, who will serve as Vice-Chair.