EAST

The $653 million Leominster Credit Union in Leominster, Mass., announced Lydia Vazquez, assistant vice president of residential lending and fair lending compliance has been named a Credit Union Rising Star by the Cooperative Credit Union Association. The Credit Union Rising Star Award honors outstanding New England credit union employees under the age of 50 who make notable impact in their institutions or the credit union industry. Since joining LCU, Vazquez has created a fair lending program, CRA monitoring systems and regulatory training sessions.

The $135 million Montgomery County Employees Federal Credit Union in Germantown, Md., appointed Jorge Saenz as chief development and engagement officer. Saenz will manage the credit union's business development initiatives while also overseeing digital banking engagement and project implementation for member services. Saenz brings more than 13 years of experience in various credit union operational, training, marketing, development and management roles to the position.

The $890 million St. Mary's Bank in Manchester, N.H., the nation's first credit union, hired Brenda Hoefle as residential loan originator. Hoefle brings 20 years of experience in the residential housing industry, including home sales, new construction, and mortgage lending to the position. She knows how important the right financing option is for borrowers and uses her extensive knowledge of the many financing programs available to provide highly personalized attention in meeting borrower goals.

The $235 million Members Plus Credit Union in Medford, Mass., hired Michael Jordan to help oversee and direct all aspects of the credit union's branch operations, to ensure efficient process and delivery of quality member service in all interactions, as well as oversee compliance and all automated systems utilized by the credit union. Jordan has more than 20 years of leadership experience in credit union and bank management.

SOUTH

Kristin Dailey, manager of the High Point location of the $2.2 billion Truliant Federal Credit Union in Winston-Salem, N.C., was named to the advisory board for the High Point Chamber of Commerce. The High Point Chamber of Commerce exists to assist and grow a prosperous business environment and thriving workforce while standing as a united voice for business in the Triad area. On the advisory board, Dailey will participate in community events, partner with local businesses and schools and support Forward High Point, Leadership High Point and other city initiatives that support local growth and development.

The $1.3 billion Barksdale Federal Credit Union in Bossier City, La., selected John Weaver as executive vice president. Weaver has served as the credit union's CFO since 2008 and will continue in this role serving as executive vice president/CFO. Before becoming the CFO, Weaver served as the credit union's accounting manager and vice president of accounting since March of 2003. Prior to coming to Barksdale Federal he served in various financial and accounting roles including CFO and controller for American 3CI, and as controller for Cellxion, Inc.

The $1 billion SAFE Federal Credit Union in Sumter, S.C., named Jay Montgomery vice president of operations. Montgomery, who's been with the credit union for nine years, succeeds Michael Baker, who recently moved up to the executive vice president position at SAFE. After joining SAFE as a management trainee following graduation from the University of South Carolina, Montgomery moved into branch management. He served as a branch manager at multiple locations before becoming a regional branch director.

TRADES

TheWorld Council of Credit Unions named Eleni Giakoumopoulos corporate communications manager. Under the supervision of the chief operating officer, Giakoumopoulos will be responsible for the tactical and strategic management of World Council's corporate communications. Giakoumopoulos comes to the World Council with more than 20 years of international experience working in 15 countries in Western, Central and Eastern Europe.

VENDORS

Procura Mortgage Company hired Augie Bae as regional vice president for Washington State. Bae has extensive knowledge and is well known in the Washington mortgage industry. He brings a wealth of experience to Procura, and his commitment to helping clients become homeowners is unparalleled. Bae has more than 25 years of diverse experience in the mortgage and financial industries.