Ten credit union across the nation announced news about their employees this week, from new CEO appointments to executive recognitions to promotions. Check out the latest People news here.

WEST

The $643 million AltaOne Federal Credit Union in Ridgecrest, Calif., named Pam Easley president/CEO. She joins the AltaOne team directly from Extensia Financial LLC, one of the nation's largest commercial and business lending CUSOs, where she served as its president/CEO. Easley led rebranding and market efforts while expanding the CUSO's service offerings to enable close partnerships with credit unions to implement key commercial and business lending strategies nationwide.

The $954 million iQ Credit Union in Vancouver, Wash., hired Shelan Stritzke as human resources manager. In this role, Stritzke will oversee the human resources policies and programs from recruiting and new hire onboarding to employee benefits and performance management. With more than eight years of employment, recruiting and human resources experience, with five of those years specifically within the credit union industry, Stritzke is a seasoned professional and knowledgeable expert.

CUNA named Michelle Pagni, EVP of human resources at the $8.1 billion San Diego County Credit Union in San Diego, a 2017 Credit Union Rock Star. Pagni was recognized for her impressive work as part of the leadership team at SDCCU, overseeing all functions of human resources, including organizational planning, training, employment, compensation, benefits, safety and health and employee services.

The $790 million Kirtland Federal Credit Union in Albuquerque, N.M., announced Tom Shoemaker was selected as interim president/CEO, replacing David Seely who will be on paid leave until his retirement on March 1, 2018. Shoemaker will lead the organization with a new strategic plan that is being developed as a result of the decision made earlier in the year not to merge with the $2.4 billion Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union in Albuquerque. Seely will continue his involvement with community organizations and non-profits. Seely started with Kirtland as president/CEO on March 1, 1990, when the cooperative institution held about $80 million in assets.

EAST

The $6.2 billion ESL Federal Credit Union in Rochester, N.Y., promoted Nurcan Sarbudak to credit reporting specialist.Sarbudak has more than 20 years of credit union experience and brings her strong communications, operations knowledge and technical expertise to her new role. Sarbudak holds a bachelor's degree in marketing management from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

The $600 million Align Credit Union in Lowell, Mass., hired Jacklyn Pichardo as branch manager at the new Wilmington location at 211G Lowell Street, next to Lucci's supermarket.

The branch is scheduled to open on Nov. 1. As branch manager, she will oversee daily operations, business development and member service. Pichardo has been in the financial industry for more than six years and is licensed by NMLS.

The Daily Record recognized John Hamilton, president/CEO of the $1.2 billion MECU in Baltimore, among the region's most admired CEOs. The award honors Maryland business executives whose leadership and success have earned them respect and admiration among their peers and employees. Hamilton was one of six executives recognized in the nonprofit organizations with more than $10 million in annual revenue category.

MIDWEST

The $1.3 billion Corporate Central Credit Union in Muskego, Wis., promoted Fred Blask to vice president of risk strategy and execution. In his new role, Blask will lead Corporate Central's enterprise risk management strategies, maintain the compliance culture, and coordinate internal audits and regulatory exams. Blask will also research, analyze and evaluate members' business needs and, through cross-functional team efforts, work to form strategic initiatives that address those needs. 

The $957 million SPIRE Credit Union in Falcon Heights, Minn., promoted two employees.

Sara Engblom (pictured) was promoted to Mora branch manager. Engblom began her career with Greater Minnesota Credit Union, now SPIRE, as member services representative in 2012. She has also worked in card services, human resources/administration and investment services.

Michelle Smutka was promoted to assistant branch manager of SPIRE's Mora branch. Smutka began her career at SPIRE in 2015 as a financial services officer in Milaca. She brings more than 25 years of experience to the position. Prior to joining SPIRE, Smutka had a variety of experience including branch management, lending management, cash management/business banking and mortgage lending.

SOUTH

Joe Mecca, assistant vice president, communication at the $2.9 billion Coastal Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C., was honored as the 2017 public relations pro of the year at the 2017 Sir Walter Raleigh Awards for Excellence in Communication. In his role as assistant vice president, communication, Mecca serves as company spokesman and is integral to the credit union's public relations, corporate communication and political affairs functions. Mecca is also focused on ensuring that employees and members are well informed.

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