Two credit unions, including FORUM Credit Union, announced appointment to their boards, and Vizo Financial announced the passing of the former CEO of Mid-Atlantic Corporate Federal Credit Union.
New Hires
- LAFCU has strengthened its finance team with the addition of Samantha Goris as finance manager and Amy Vitale as financial analyst. Both bring extensive credit union experience, reinforcing LAFCU’s commitment to financial excellence and strategic growth. As finance manager, Samantha Goris oversees the daily operations of the finance department and supervises finance personnel. She manages the preparation of reports, including annual plans and operating budgets, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial records. Joining as financial analyst, Amy Vitale supports financial decision making by analyzing financial data related to investments, loan portfolios, and overall financial health. Her responsibilities include identifying trends, preparing reports, and providing insights to improve financial performance, while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
- Workers Credit Union announced a new hire to its Commercial and Small Business Lending team:
- John Decker, VP, Commercial Lending – Workers Credit Union hired John Decker as VP of Commercial Lending. Decker brings more than 25 years in commercial lending and relationship management experience. Decker worked as a Commercial Loan Officer at Fleet Bank, GE Capital, Unibank for Savings, and most recently, at Bank Five. A graduate of Syracuse University, he serves as an alumni ambassador for the college, on the fundraising committee for Old Colony YMCA, and coaches youth lacrosse.
Recognitions
- First Commerce Credit Union Residential Real Estate Sales Manager Barbara Williams-Anderson was recently honored with one of the highest local awards possible, as the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce named her Woman of the Year. The award recognizes individuals who have shown exemplary dedication to community service, innovation and leadership.
In Remembrance
- It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that Vizo Financial shares Edward J. (Ed) Fox, former CEO of Mid-Atlantic Corporate Federal Credit Union, passed away on March 9, 2025. At this time, we remember Ed’s incredible impact on the Corporate and the credit union movement as a whole. Ed joined Mid-Atlantic Corporate in 1989 after nine years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia as Financial Services Officer. Before his time at the Federal Reserve, he was an assistant vice president at First Pennsylvania Bank (now Wells Fargo) in Philadelphia, where he worked in the financial institutions department, correspondent bank division and credit union division.
Promotions
- Workers Credit Union is enhancing its Commercial and Small Business Lending division with the appointment of Deb Larsen as Chief Commercial Banking Officer, in a newly created role. Larsen will oversee the credit union’s commercial lending and business banking division, focusing on ensuring excellent service delivery. Under Larsen’s leadership, a team of highly experienced leaders will expand the credit union’s ability to offer personalized, innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses in Central Massachusetts. Supporting Chief Commercial Banking Officer Deb Larsen:
- Glenn Davis, AVP, Commerical Lending – Workers Credit Union promoted Glenn Davis to AVP of Commercial Lending. Bringing 20 years of commercial lending experience, Davis held positions at TD Bank, Northeast Community Bank, and Cambridge Trust Company. He is a graduate of New England College of Finance and volunteers at Launch Space Inc, where he teaches 17–24-year-olds financial awareness.
- Alison Isaksen, AVP, Commercial Lending – Workers Credit Union appointed Alison Isaksen as AVP of Commercial Lending. She has 20 years of banking experience, including roles at State Street Bank & Trust and Enterprise Bank. Alison is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and sits on the Board of Directors for Positive Street Art, where she serves as Treasurer.
- Kathleen Cote, VP, Commercial Lending – Kathleen Cote began her career at Guaranty First Trust Company and has more than 30 years of banking experience and expertise in working with businesses in our communities. She attended the New England Banking Institute and is a graduate of the Management Development program. Kathy joined WCU in 2021 from Citizens Bank and serves as the SBA lending program leader. Kathy is an advocate for Autism Acceptance and Awareness.
- Robert Schwartz, VP, Commercial Lending – Began his career at Citizens Bank and has over 12 years of banking experience. Robbie joined WCU in 2022 from Merrimack Valley Credit Union and has a bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts Boston, an MBA from Boston University and enjoys volunteering with the Special Olympics.
Appointments
- FORUM Credit Union welcomes Jill Lehman as a new Board of Directors Member. Jill is a small business owner based in Fishers, Indiana and a human resources executive with 30+ years of experience. At Evolve HR Group, Jill serves as the Founder, CEO, a Sr. Advisor, and Coach utilizing her expertise in HR, organizational development, and culture transformation. Jill is an accredited CPC through iPEC and ACC by the International Coaching Federation, as well as an Energy Leadership Index (ELI) master practitioner. Jill has been recognized as one of the top 15 coaches in Indianapolis by Influence Digest, a Human Resources Professional of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and she was awarded a Stevie Women in Business. Jill is a past board member of Shafer Leadership Academy, Second Harvest Food Bank, Fishers Arts Council, and The Catalyst. She currently serves on the Purdue University Ag Alumni Association Board and the Ball State University Miller College Leadership and Management Advisory Board.
- Chartway Ventures, the wholly owned Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) of Chartway Credit Union, welcomed Jennifer Addabbo and Samantha Paxson to its board of managers. The two new members were elected during a board meeting held earlier this month at the Governmental Affairs Conference 2025 in Washington, D.C., where industry leaders gathered to discuss key issues shaping the future of credit unions. Addabbo and Paxson will replace outgoing board members Sean Banerjee and Phil Olson.