The nation's largest ethnically based credit union has hired on a former banker as its new CEO.
Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union in New York City has more than 72,000 members and roughly $1.4 billion in assets.
The Brooklyn-based credit union also has had a history of controversy, fights and litigation on its board of directors, but has largely left those times behind as it has embarked on a significant expansion into the Polish and Slavic immigrant communities in the Chicago area.
The new CEO, Oskar Mielczarek, is a graduate of the Harvard Business School and has worked at JP Morgan Chase, Merrill Lynch and Barclays in North America and Europe, his new employer said. He succeeds former CEO Bogdan Chmilewski.
"For a person with my financial background, interests and commitment to the Polish community in America, I cannot think of a more fitting opportunity," Mielczarek said. "The Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union has long been a beacon of hope and pride for thousands of Polish-Americans, and has recently been identified as an example of how a financial organization should operate."
He added, "This success, now lasting 35 years, has been achieved thanks to the hard work of our employees and loyalty of our members. We will continue to foster and encourage the spirit of teamwork and dedication to the community that characterizes our institution."
Tomasz Bortnik, chairman of the credit union's board, said Mielczarek's hiring followed an extensive selection process.
"The Board feels confident that Mr. Mielczarek's stewardship and team-oriented managerial style will bring great value to the largest ethnic credit union in the country," Bortnik said.
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