TBA Credit Union just added some serious firepower to its executive roster. Chris Dickens, a financial services pro with more than three decades under his belt, has joined the team as Chief Credit Officer—and he’s bringing a wealth of experience in the kind of lending that actually matters to real people and businesses.
So what exactly will Dickens be doing? In plain English, he’s the person making sure TBA’s commercial lending portfolio grows in a smart, sustainable way. Think of him as the strategic guard rail between aggressive growth and reckless lending—keeping everything aligned with regulatory requirements while still serving members’ needs. It’s a balancing act that requires both expertise and nuance.
Dickens isn’t new to this rodeo. His resume reads like a greatest hits of financial services leadership: credit administration, SBA lending, commercial lending operations, compliance, and operational management. Throughout his career, he’s built a reputation for strengthening credit functions and guiding responsible growth at community-focused institutions—the kind of banks and credit unions that actually know their members’ names.
“We’re excited to welcome Chris to our Executive Team as our Chief Credit Officer,” said Karen Browne, President and CEO of TBA Credit Union. “His leadership and expertise in credit and risk strategy will play a key role in supporting safe, sustainable growth while ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our members and our community.”
For his part, Dickens seems genuinely fired up about the move to TBA Credit Union and the Traverse City community. And his reasons go beyond the typical corporate-speak you’d expect in an announcement like this.
“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to make a direct impact. Every credit decision represents a chance to help a family buy a home, support a business as it grows, or assist someone through a challenging time,” Dickens explained. “TBA Credit Union’s focus on members, responsible growth, and strong community relationships really resonated with me, and I’m excited to be part of an organization and a community where you can see the positive impact of your work every day.”
It’s refreshing to hear a C-suite executive talk about the human side of lending—because at the end of the day, these aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. They’re families, small businesses, and community members looking for financial partners who get it.