Tech CU, Atlanta Postal, Others Announce Staff Moves

This past week, professionals at credit unions across the nation took the next step in their career. The announcements included two new CEOs, who will succeed their current, soon-to-retire CEOs.

WEST

The $1.3 billion Whitefish Credit Union in Whitefish, Mont., promoted Alicia Softich to South Kalispell branch and EFT manager. Softich has spent more than 10 years in the financial services industry, most recently as Whitefish's EFT manager since 2013. Softich will manage all aspects of the credit union's new South Kalispell branch. Terry Janke was promoted to head teller at the new South Kalispell branch. Janke will join Softich at the South Kalispell branch, managing the teller line and ensuring members are assisted in a thorough and timely manner. Several current credit union staff members have relocated to new branches throughout Northwest Montana. The South Kalispell branch is now home to Megan Cady, member service representative II; and Seth Mortenson, teller II. Rhonda Taylor, member service representative I, is now located at the Kalispell office. Tiffany Mayhan, member service representative I, is now at the Whitefish branch; and members will now find Alex Topolewski, head teller, at the Columbia Falls branch.

The $289 million Utah First Credit Union in Salt Lake City, Utah hired Steve Fifield (pictured) as vice president of corporate development. Fifield will solidify Utah First's branch network and streamline processes for an improved member experience. Fifield brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having spent more than 30 years in the industry.

The $2.1 billion Technology Credit Union in San Jose, Calif., promoted three executives. Jeannine Jacobsen was promoted to EVP and COO with IT. She now manages corporate services, project management, support services and human resources. Jacobsen brings more than 25 years of experience to the position. She's spent the majority of her career focusing on human resources and corporate development. Prior to joining Tech CU, she served as senior human resources manager at Cisco Systems. Richard Hanz, formerly the SVP of treasury and strategic planning, was promoted to CFO. He is now responsible for the company's finance organization. Hanz has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, and will work out of the credit union's Novi, Mich. headquarters. Dean Davis was promoted to SVP, heading up all of IT. Davis has been in the IT field for more than 20 years. An employee of Tech CU for more than 10 years, he originally joined the company as assistant vice president of IT – growing steadily into his current role. Prior to Tech CU, he was a senior network engineer in the semiconductor industry. Both Hanz and Davis will also join Tech CU's managing committee.

The $500 million Vibe Credit Union in Novi, Mich., hired Brian McVeigh as CFO. McVeigh has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. He most recently served as SVP at the $1.7 billion Lake Trust Credit Union in Brighton, Mich. In October, he will be sharing his vast merger expertise at the AICPA Conference for credit unions.

SOUTH

The $2.9 billion TDECU in Lake Jackson, Texas hired two employees. Cody Huggins was hired as senior business engagement officer. Huggins will oversee the development of business and member relationships for the Houston, Fort Bend, Katy and The Woodlands markets. He has more than 12 years of experience in the financial services industry. Thomas W. Devine, CFP joined the wealth management team. Devine will help TDECU's members build a solid financial plan that will help them pursue their financial goals and objectives. With more than 30 years of experience, Thomas is a respected leader in the industry.

The $2 billion Atlanta Postal Credit Union in Atlanta hired Tom Lindley (pictured) as consumer loan sales manager. Lindley brings more than 19 years of financial services experience. He has a bachelor's of business administration from the University of Michigan, and a master's of business administration from Georgia State.

The $91 million Virginia Beach Schools Federal Credit Union in Virginia Beach, Va., promoted L. Brian Clark to president/CEO, effective July 1, 2016. Clark joined VBSFCU in 2001 and brings a wealth of credit union and banking experience. In addition to being a certified credit union executive, he earned his master's degree in business administration from Old Dominion University. Clark succeeds Sally W. Fontenot who is retiring on June 30, 2016. Fontenot started her career VBSFCU in 1981 as the credit union's only collector. In 1996, she was selected to her current position when the credit union had $25 million in assets. She oversaw the building of the main branch along with two other branches.

EAST

The $625 million First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union in Bethlehem, Penn., hired Donna LoStocco (pictured) as president/CEO, effective July 1. She brings a proven track record of leadership and strategic vision, critically important to continue First Commonwealth's history of growth and exceptional member service. Donna was with Affinity more than 18 years and was responsible for the branches and call center as well as the investment, insurance and title businesses. LoStocco succeeds Jo Ann Broderick who is retiring after 17 years with FCFCU. During Broderick's tenure, FCFCU has grown to more than $600 million in assets and more than 55,000 members.

AGENCIES

The NCUA selected Kelly Lay as business innovations director. Lay has served as the associate regional director of programs in the NCUA's Region II office since 2010. In her new position, she will be responsible for management of the agency's enterprise solutions modernization program, working alongside the chief information officer. This program will upgrade the NCUA's information technology capacity, policies and practices.