Three credit unions, including Numerica Credit Union and The Family Credit Union, announced new additions to their teams, and Reliant Credit Union announced that its CEO was awarded the Outstanding Professional Award at the EXCEL26 Conference.
New Hires:
- TruStage® announced the appointment of Catie McDonald as Director of Credit Union System Relations. McDonald will lead the company’s Credit Union System Relations team and serve as the senior relationship manager for credit union leagues, associations and key system partners. She will be responsible for advancing the company’s strategic relationships in support of the credit union system.
- Numerica Credit Union has hired Victor Melnik as vice president of retail experience for Spokane Valley and North Idaho. In his new role, he will focus on leading member experience, team development, business growth and community engagement. Melnik brings more than 25 years of financial services leadership experience, including 15 years in leadership roles. Prior to joining Numerica, Melnik served as regional sales and service manager at Gesa Credit Union, where he led retail operations across multiple markets in Western and Central Washington.
- The Family Credit Union has announced the addition of Bob Hoepfner to its leadership team. Bob brings more than 30 years of lending experience to The Family Credit Union. He began his career in consumer finance in 1992, with early experience in Iowa, before moving into private banking and later leadership roles in business and commercial lending. Most recently, he served as Head of Lending at Southern Lakes Credit Union in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Purdue Federal Credit Union is pleased to welcome Rick Hite as its newest Mortgage Sales Manager. In this role, Rick will provide leadership for all of Purdue Federal Credit Union’s mortgage specialists, overseeing the credit union’s North Central and Northwest Indiana regions.
Recognitions:
- Reliant Credit Union is proud to announce that President & CEO Pamela Heald has been awarded the Outstanding Professional Award by the New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA) at the EXCEL26 Conference. The Outstanding Professional Award recognizes exceptional leadership, commitment, and contributions to the credit union movement. Ms. Heald, a respected industry leader, has spent more than three decades supporting the mission of credit unions through innovation, collaboration, and a strong focus on people.
- WESTconsin Credit Union is proud to announce that retired Chief Executive Officer Lora Benrud has received the Legends of The Movement Award from The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation. Begun in 2024, this award recognizes trailblazers, visionaries, and dedicated individuals who embody the cooperative spirit and a lifelong commitment to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people”.
- Corporate Central recently announced that Stephanie Schmidt, AAP, AFPP, NCP, CWCUL, CUDE, CCUE, CCUFC, CCCM, Vice President Member Experience, has earned the National Check Professional (NCP) Accreditation. The NCP Certification Program, offered by The Clearing House, recognizes payments professionals who demonstrate advanced knowledge of the check payment system, including check products and operations, applicable rules and regulations, industry standards, and fraud and risk mitigation practices.
- UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive) is proud to announce that Community Engagement Manager Cait Murray has been recognized with the MassHire Annual Youth Partner Award, honoring her outstanding contributions to youth financial education and workforce readiness throughout the Pioneer Valley. The award recognizes Murray’s leadership in delivering financial literacy workshops, educational programming, and UMassFive’s highly successful Reality Fair events, which help students gain practical experience managing personal finances and preparing for adulthood.
Promotions:
- LAFCU has promoted Steve Jorgensen to vice president of lending, where he focuses on the credit union’s consumer lending to help members access financing for everyday needs and major life purchases, including auto, recreational and personal loans. Jorgensen oversees loans made through LAFCU’s automotive dealership partners and leads the indirect dealer watch committee, which analyzes program data, monitors risk and identifies growth opportunities within the auto lending program. He also leads the pricing strategy committee, which reviews market conditions and makes recommendations on loan pricing to help keep financing options competitive and accessible for members.
- Greater Texas|Aggieland Credit Union has named Ken Gardner as its new Vice President of Human Resources. In his elevated role, he provides executive leadership for the credit union’s enterprise-wide people strategy. His directive focuses on aligning workforce culture, leadership talent, and employee engagement with long-term business performance.
- California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions are proud to announce Lisa Quaranta will be promoted to Senior Vice President of Regulatory Advocacy and Robert Wilson will be promoted to Executive Vice President — effective July 1. Quaranta has been an invaluable resource to credit unions, helping league members navigate complex regulatory and compliance issues while serving as a trusted advocate before state and federal regulators. Her expertise, dedication, and commitment to member service have made a meaningful impact on credit unions throughout California and Nevada. Wilson has played a critical role in advancing legislative priorities, strengthening relationships with policymakers, managing the Sacramento office, and leading advocacy efforts that protect and advance the credit union movement. Under his leadership, the California and Nevada leagues’ state advocacy programs have continued to grow in influence and effectiveness, delivering meaningful results for credit unions and their members.
- BayPort Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of LaDarius Satterwhite to Vice President, Retail Banking. In this role, Satterwhite will lead retail banking operations, branch administration, and member service strategies across the credit union’s branch network.
Retirements:
- Garden Savings Federal Credit Union announces the retirement of Chief Sales Officer Tom Quigley and the promotion of Janine Roldan to Chief Sales Officer. Tom, a vibrant presence in the credit union industry for 29 years, has inspired members and colleagues alike.
Appointments:
- Municipal Credit Union (MCU) and the New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA) announced the election of Kyle Markland, Chief Executive Officer, to NYCUA’s Board of Directors. As a member of the Board, Markland will help guide NYCUA’s advocacy priorities and strategic direction on behalf of New York credit unions.