Education First Credit Union announced this week that its board has appointed a former state regulator as its new leader.

Michael Wettrich, who has been named as the credit union's president/CEO, previously served as the deputy superintendent for credit unions for the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions, according to a press release announcing his new appointment.

“Mike is exceptionally knowledgeable about the credit union industry and he brings a deep wealth of knowledge about our business,” Norman Landry, chair of board of directors at the $87 million institution based in Westerville, Ohio, stated in the press release.

“Our board searched long and hard to find the best fit we could, and we believe we found the ideal person to lead our credit union into the future,” Landry said. “Mike has a profound respect for educators and his personal philosophy fits hand in glove with ours.”

Prior to becoming deputy superintendent for credit unions, Wettrich was chief examiner and acting deputy superintendent for credit unions for two years and served as chair of the board of NASCUS, the press release said.

Wettrich is a Certified Credit Union Examiner, Certified Credit Union Supervisor and a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Wettrich said he is pleased to have been tapped to lead Education First.

“The opportunity to lead such a progressive and committed organization really appealed to my vision of what a modern credit union should be to its members,” he stated in the press release. “At Education First we are dedicated to serving our members' financial best interests by providing them with affordable and comprehensive products and services, with a level of personal attention and care that is second to none.”