Vice President Miriam De Dios has been tapped as the new CEO of the Hispanic credit union economic development firm Coopera in Des Moines, Iowa.

De Dios will fill the position previously held by founder Warren Morrow, who died unexpectedly in February at age 34.

Interim CEO Murray Williams will transition back to his roles as chief administrative officer at Affiliates Management Company and chief operating officer at the Iowa Credit Union League. He will continue to act as strategic advisor to Coopera, an affiliate of the league.

Since helping launch Coopera alongside Morrow, De Dios has overseen the company's client operations, managed the innovation of products and led the company's marketing and public relations efforts. Prior to joining Coopera, she worked with State Farm Insurance Companies and John Deere Credit.

A native of Jalisco, Mexico, who witnessed her own parents' struggles to navigate the U.S. financial system, she has been passionate about furthering Coopera's mission of connecting more Hispanics – both immigrant and U.S. born – with the financial mainstream. Credit unions, she believes, are the answer. 

“Although this is a very bittersweet time, I'm excited for the future of Coopera,” said De Dios. “We have an immense opportunity to continue providing dignified financial services to the Hispanic community through credit unions.

“Although the need for Hispanic growth in the credit union industry is greater than ever, I see it being met with increased motivation and momentum by credit unions, which is energizing. I'm looking forward to seeing the impact we can continue to make on Hispanic communities across the nation and on the credit union movement as a whole.”

Coopera is owned by Affiliates Management Company, holding company of the Iowa Credit Union League, and is a strategic alliance partner with CUNA.

”At CUNA, we have the utmost respect and confidence in Miriam and applaud her promotion,” said Mark Condon, senior vice president of business and consumer publishing at CUNA. “We look forward to continuing our strategic alliance with Coopera to help credit unions grow through the underserved Hispanic community.”

De Dios belongs to the World Council of Credit Union's Global Women's Leadership Network and is a member of the national Network of Latino Credit Unions and Professionals. She also is a leader with several Des Moines area non-profit organizations, including the Iowa International Center, Hispanic Educational Resources and Latinas para Un Nuevo Amanecer.