The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, which represents more than 800,000 Hispanic-owned businesses throughout California, recognized Donna Zapata, business development officer for the $3.5 billion Redwood Credit Union in Santa Rosa, Calif., with a Latina Hall of Fame Award at the Latina Empresaria Awards. She was also inducted into the CHCC's Latina Hall of Fame. The Latina Empresaria Awards pay tribute to business women who have made a measurable impact on economic development in Latina communities. Donna Zapata was recognized for successfully shaping a career while building an inseparable connection between economic development and community.

Chary Krout, SVP of human resources at the $10.5 billion First Tech Federal Credit Union in Mountain View, Calif., was selected as one of three Human Resources Leadership Award recipients by Portland Business Journal. Portland Business Journal's Human Resources Leadership Award recognizes prominent leaders in Oregon and Southwest Washington, who demonstrate excellence in human resources management and advocate for their employees' health and wellness through program innovation. Under Krout's leadership, First Tech has designed a complete well-being program, which allows employees to choose the resources that best fit their needs.

EAST

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan named Rod Staatz, president/CEO of the $3.3 billion SECU in Linthicum, Md., to serve on the Maryland Financial Consumer Protection Commission. An 11-member panel created by the Maryland General Assembly, the Financial Consumer Protection Commission monitors changes to federal financial laws, regulations, budgets, policies and issues recommendations for federal and state actions to protect consumers. Staatz has led SECU since 2003 and previously served as chairman of CUNA.

The $1.3 billion Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union in Lowell, Mass., promoted Kevin Zipps to assistant treasurer – branch manager. Zipps has 17 years of experience in the financial services industry. He will oversee the management and daily operation of the Westford Branch. Zipps began his career at Jeanne D'Arc in 2000 as a teller working in the Dracut Lakeview Avenue branch.

The $600 million Align Credit Union in Lowell, Mass., promoted Kelly Tahan to branch manager for the Haverhill location at 20 Cushing Ave. and Holy Family Hospital location at 70 East St. in Methuen. She will oversee daily operations, business development and member service. Tahan has 25 years of financial experience. She joined Align in 2012, and was most recently assistant branch manager for the Haverhill branch.

The $910 million St. Anne's Credit Union in Fall River, Mass., was voted the number one financial institution in SouthCoast Media Group's “Best of the Best” for 2017. Chief Lending Officer and SVP John Caliguri shows off the award at left. St. Anne's Credit Union was also voted number one in the Community Bank/Credit Unions category in Swansea by Wicked Local Media readers.

SOUTH

The $2.2 billion Truliant Federal Credit Union in Winston-Salem, N.C., promoted Rik Kielbasa to the newly created role of chief digital officer. Truliant created the new executive management position to better meet the needs of member-owners who bank using multiple online platforms and digital tools.

Kielbasa will lead efforts to develop, coordinate and lead Truliant's digital-member experience strategies. He will also be responsible for directing and developing a new innovation team at the credit union.

VENDORS

Factual Data, a provider of credit and verification services to the mortgage lending industry, promoted Jay Giesen to president. Giesen has been with the Colorado-based organization since January 2014, most recently serving as SVP. As president, Giesen will continue his responsibilities for all national and regional sales efforts, focusing on penetrating key strategic accounts as well as increasing both customer acquisition and retention.

Please send your People news items to Tahira Hayes at [email protected].