NAFCU announced Monday the promotion of several employees and the dismissal of one as part of a realignment of its marketing and communications functions, an organizational shift that new President/CEO Dan Berger called “extreme member focus.”

“Everything we're doing will be prioritized through the filter of what's in the best interest of our members,” Berger told Credit Union Times. “We've always done a good job of that, we just want to make sure across all departments that everybody is on the same page.”

The most high-profile promotion was that of Carrie Hunt, who is now senior vice president of government affairs and will remain NAFCU's general counsel.

“Carrie is one of the hardest working people in the credit union industry,” Berger said, adding that the promotion was well deserved.

Hunt has served as NAFCU's staff liaison to the federal regulatory agencies, and in 2012, was named one of Credit Union Times'  Women to Watch for her direct, cooperative leadership style. Beyond Hunt's regulatory advocacy efforts, she has also worked with NAFCU's legislative department by analyzing and developing policy issues that directly impact credit unions.

“I am thrilled and thankful for the opportunity to serve NAFCU members in my new capacity. I look forward to leading our dynamic government affairs team as we work to champion credit union causes and foster a positive legislative and regulatory environment for the industry,” she said in a release.

NAFCU also realigned its marketing and communications department, dismissing Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Karen Tyson, who joined NAFCU in 2011 from the Independent Community Bankers of America. Effective immediately the marketing department will report directly to Anthony Demangone, executive vice president and chief operating officer, and the communications department will report directly to Berger.

“These changes will help us achieve even greater effectiveness and efficiency in serving our members,” said Berger. “We appreciate Karen Tyson's contributions to NAFCU during her tenure as senior vice president of marketing and communications and wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Other promotions include:

• Steve Van Beek, to vice president of compliance from director;
• Lisa Cox, to vice president of events and education from director;
• Eric Miller, to vice president of information technology from director;
• Katherine Marisic, to vice president of political affairs from director;
• Liz Santos, to vice president of marketing from director for NAFCU Services Corp.;
• Susan Broaddus, to director of news services and managing editor from senior managing editor, news;
• Jillian Pevo, to director of legislative affairs from senior associate director; and
• Curt Long, to senior economist from staff economist.