Two credit unions, including Desert Financial Credit Union, announced new additions to their teams, and one of Virginia Credit Union‘s Senior Financial Education Specialists was recently recognized by the League of Credit Unions and Affiliates as its 2025 Emerging Professional of the Year for Virginia.
New Hires:
- Desert Financial Credit Union has named Kevin Martin as its new executive vice president, bringing deep experience in credit union leadership, strategic planning and member experience to the organization.
- FI Works recently announced the addition of Heather Bonaventura as Senior Vice President, Sales and Growth. The hire adds sales capacity as FI Works scales to meet rising demand from financial institutions and expands its AI-enabled relationship intelligence capabilities.
- 3Rivers Credit Union announced that Allison Meyer has been appointed as vice president of communication. In this newly created role, Meyer helps guide 3Rivers’ broader communications strategy, including corporate messaging, brand reputation, community partnerships, and executive message advisory across the credit union. She advises executive leadership on messaging and stakeholder engagement, translating 3Rivers’ mission and strategic priorities into clear, unified communications for members, employees, and the community.
- MemberClose, an affiliate of the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA), is pleased to announce that Jennifer Buco has joined the organization as Director of Sales. In her new role, Buco will collaborate with credit unions to better understand their lending objectives, operational challenges, and growth strategies while connecting them with the technology, services, and strategic partnerships available through MemberClose. She will work closely with institutions throughout the CCUA network and across the country, helping credit unions identify solutions that improve operational efficiency, enhance the lending experience, and support long-term growth.
Recognitions:
- Virginia Credit Union’s (VACU) Sabrina Guerin was recently recognized by the League of Credit Unions and Affiliates as its 2025 Emerging Professional of the Year for Virginia. The Emerging Professional of the Year award honors rising leaders who demonstrate exceptional promise, dedication, and commitment to credit unions’ “People Helping People” mission.
Promotions:
- 3Rivers Credit Union announced that Steve Bennett was appointed as vice president of talent and Kristin Smith was appointed as assistant vice president of commercial lending. Bennett, who previously served as assistant vice president of talent experience, leads talent strategy across workforce planning, leadership development, succession planning, and organizational design. The role formalizes talent as a direct driver of business strategy and long-term organizational strength. Smith, who previously served as business service manager, has spent more than a decade at 3Rivers in commercial and SBA lending. As of Q1 2026, 3Rivers’ commercial lending portfolio surpassed $330 million—growth Smith helped drive through more than a decade of work in commercial and SBA lending at the credit union. In her new role, she leads the team supporting local businesses through financing, growth planning, and long-term relationship management.
Appointments:
- Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) announced a series of board leadership updates and transitions that reflect a thoughtful and strategic approach to succession planning and continued organizational growth. As part of this transition, Shiloh Smeltzer, CEO of Badlands Federal Credit Union, has been appointed as a full member of the Board of Directors, stepping into the position previously held by retiring Billings Federal Credit Union President/CEO Tom Boos. Shiloh’s experience and commitment to the organization’s mission ensure strong continuity in board leadership. Filling the vacancy created by Shiloh’s transition, the board of directors has invited Denise Anderson, President/CEO of NorthWestern Energy Employees Federal Credit Union, to serve as an associate member. Finally, MCU is pleased to welcome Casey Klein, President/CEO of Valley Credit Union, who will fill a vacant board seat. Casey said of his appointment, “I’m incredibly honored to be selected to the Montana Credit Union Board of Directors and to help advance the long-standing impact credit unions have throughout Montana and the region.”