Stephen J. Lardiere was appointed president/CEO of the $138 million Pinnacle Federal Credit Union in Edison, N.J.

He joined the cooperative in 2008 as chief operating officer.

“On behalf of the board of directors, we are pleased to promote Steve to this new position,” Pam Camella, Pinnacle board chair, said in a prepared statement. “With his extensive industry knowledge, operational experience and strategic vision, we are sure that he will continue to exceed our expectations.”

Lardiere began his credit union career in 1976 at the $299 million Picatinny Federal Credit Union in Dover where he held the position of CEO from 1996 to 2007.

“I would like to thank the board of directors for this wonderful opportunity,” he said. “To our membership, I would like you to know it will be my mission to continue to bring convenient and efficient financial products and services that will assist you in your daily life.”

Pinnacle FCU serves more than 20,000 members.

In other people news from around the industry:

EAST

Nicole James, senior vice president of retail services at the $811 million RTN Federal Credit Union in Waltham Mass., was selected for the Banker & Tradesman Credit Union Heroes Award for 2014. The Credit Union Heroes award recognizes local credit union professionals who go above and beyond to better their institution and community. The award celebrates those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the industry and the community, giving freely of their time, energy and resources for volunteerism, community service and charity.  James, along with the other honorees, will be recognized at the 2014 Credit Union Heroes Awards dinner Sept. 18 at the Courtyard Marriott Boston.

SOUTH

Gregory D. Inman, senior vice president of retail operations for the $704 million Neighbors Federal Credit Union in Baton Rouge, La., was appointed to LSU University College's Advisory Board. The board includes 26 business executives and community leaders that participate in a number of activities and events, such as an annual meeting and Pigskin Preview hosted by LSU Football Coach Les Miles, the selection of University College's scholarship recipients. Board members also host various LSU recruitment receptions. 

MIDWEST

The $1.57 billion United Federal Credit Union in St. Joseph, Mich., announced its investment department Program Manager Keith Weber, who is affiliated with broker dealer and Registered Investment Adviser CUSO Financial Services LP in San Diego, Calif., was recognized for his contributions to the investment services industry by being inducted into CFS's inaugural 2014Hall of Fame. According to CFS, induction into the Hall of Fame identifies Weber as an elite group of high-caliber professionals. Weber was a longtime advisor for a previous CFS client credit union and runs a consulting business where he helps investment advisors improve their practice and credit unions improve their wealth management programs. UFCU's investment program, United Investment Planning, has six advisors serving members in 22 branches in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, Nevada and Arkansas.

WEST

The $396 million Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union in Kailua-Kona appointed four individuals to its management team.

Linda Meyer was named vice president of information systems. Her career spans nearly three decades of IT experience. She's worked in credit union industry since 1991. Jason Ayers was promoted to assistant vice-president and loan manager.  He joined Hawaii Community 12 years ago and worked in the financial services industry since 1997. Su Lambert was promoted to human resources manager. She previously served as the credit union's training and development coordinator and worked for Experian, Microsoft and eFunds Corporation where she supported the credit union industry for more than 10 years. Nellie Medeiros was promoted to corporate development and marketing manager.  She joined Hawaii Community more than four decades ago and held various positions such as teller, accounting clerk, credit card coordinator, loan officer and marketing officer.

VENDORS

TMG Financial Services of Des Moines, Iowa added six employees to its staff.

Lindsay Martens and Jacob Pfundheller were hired as financial analysts. They will be responsible for analyzing financial factors to provide strategic insights to TMGFS and its partners. Prior to joining TMGFS, Martens was controller for the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel. Pfundheller comes to TMGFS from Athene USA (formerly Aviva USA) where he was a financial analyst. Shawna Moses was hired as a customer relationship specialist. She will take on a wide range of project and training assignments. She brings more than 10 years customer service and management experience to TMGFS. Most recently, Moses was a commercial processor for Marsh U.S. Consumer. Dan Stephenson was hired as consumer credit analyst to assist card members with credit line extensions and improved APRs. Prior to joining the company, he was an operations analyst for Wells Fargo. Brian Storey was hired as a relationship manager to build and maintain strategic relationships with TMGFS partners. He joined the company from Principal Financial Group where he served as treasury manager. And Connie Thienes was hired as product manager with a focus on the agent issuer's business and commercial card product line. She joins TMGFS from Heartland Financial USA, Inc., where she implemented retail and commercial product strategy.