The $245 million, 31,400-member AOD Federal Credit Union in Bynum, Ala., has named veteran credit union executive Richard Simonton Sr. as its new president and CEO.

Simonton most recently was serving as a conservatorship CEO for the NCUA where he began his financial services career as an examiner. He also has been a finance and merger consultant for credit unions and was CFO and CEO at the $453 million Insight Credit Union in Orlando, Fla., from 1993 to 2010.

“We are extremely pleased to have Rich joining the credit union, and we welcome him to the area” said Gordon “Doc” Williamson, board chairman for AOD FCU.

 “With his knowledge and over 30 years' experience in the credit union industry, as well as his dedication to member service, Rich will be a strong leader as the credit union continues to grow,” Williamson said.

Simonton said, “It is great to be here at AOD Federal Credit Union. I look forward to building on the successes that AODFCU has achieved, propelling the organization forward with new initiatives, and expanding services to serve the needs of our diverse and expanding membership.”

Simonton has been active as a board and committee member for several companies, including Southeast Corporate, and has represented credit unions before lawmakers in Tallahassee, Fla., and Washington, D.C., his employer said.

Simonton is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and Rollins College and he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana, where he worked with cooperative societies.

Simonton and his wife, Margie, are the parents of 14 children and in Florida, he was an active supporter of the Russell Home for Atypical Children, the Coalition for the Homeless, Toys for Tots, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

“I am always eager to help organizations that help so many people in our community,” Simonton said.