7 Credit Unions Hire & Recognize Talented Professionals

WEST

The $1.9 billion Vantage West Credit Union in Tucson, Ariz., appointed Teresa Nowak as business relationship manager III. In her new role, she will help foster collaborative relationships with local businesses and communities on behalf of the credit union. Nowak is a native Tucsonan with 20 years of business banking experience in the local market. She specializes in complex commercial loan requests and relationship management for business owners, C-Suite executives, medical practices, multi-family residences and not-for-profits.

Healthcare Revolution, a consortium of worldwide healthcare, workplace benefits and medical tourism organizations, recognized Michelle Dearholt as one of 100 national well-being honorees. Dearholt serves as the chief retail and performance officer at the $2.2 billion Nusenda Credit Union in Albuquerque, N.M. Dearholt is part of an elite group of human resources, wellness and/or benefits professionals, consultants, agents and brokers who make wellness happen for an organization, according to award officials. Dearholt has spent nearly 20 years in organizational development in the financial, retail service, and distribution and manufacturing sectors, including 17 with Nusenda.

The $7.4 billion Alaska USA Federal Credit Union based in Anchorage, Alaska named Michelle Bradshaw vice president of information management applications at the Alaska USA Data Center in Glendale, Ariz. Bradshaw comes to Alaska USA with more than 20 years of experience in information management.

The $4.4 billion Redwood Credit Union in Santa Rosa, Calif., hired Todd Andrus as branch manager of its Ukiah branch at 195 South Orchard Ave. In his new role, Andrus is responsible for overseeing member service, staff management and daily branch operations, as well as local community and business development efforts. Prior to joining RCU, Andrus was with Wells Fargo for 16 years, the last 10 of which as branch manager.

MIDWEST

The $4 billion Veridian Credit Union in Waterloo, Iowa, hired Jim Savage as manager of information technology security. Savage, a resident of Waverly, was recently the senior manager of information technology security at Spectrum Brands. He has a bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College.

The $1 billion Consumers Credit Union in Kalamazoo, Mich., hired two employees.

John Shubert was hired as a CFS financial advisor for the Grand Rapids market and beyond. Shubert has 15 years of experience in banking, insurance and finance, including five years of investment experience and running his own insurance practice. He will be working with members and businesses around the Cascade, Gaines, Grandville and Breton Village offices.

Jesse Horton was also hired as a CFS financial advisor for the Grand Rapids market and beyond. Horton previously worked at a large wealth management operation where he sold multiple lines of insurance, and led marketing and prospecting planning.

The $2.1 billion Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union in St. Paul, Minn., named Bonnie Randall-Hanson director of human resources. Randall-Hanson joined the credit union in early November with 18 years of human resources experience, most recently in leadership at Allina Health, an organization of more than 30,000 employees. Hanson will lead the human resources team, including attraction and retention of talent, performance management, employee relations, compensation and benefits.

The $1.2 billion Firefly Credit Union in Burnsville, Minn., named Simona Stoianovici business development specialist. Stoianovici comes to this role with more than seven years of experience in the financial industry, most recently as a member relationship advisor at Firefly’s Minneapolis branch. In her new role, Stoianovici will partner with businesses in the areas surrounding Firefly’s south metro branch locations to help support Firefly’s free financial wellness program.

VENDORS

Corelation Inc., a core processor for credit unions, appointed Rob Landis, director of client relations, to COO, a new position within Corelation. Landis will continue to report to Theresa Benavidez, president/CEO of Corelation. Landis will assume responsibility for conversions, support services, ongoing client education, and special projects like mergers and card processor changes. He will also be responsible for ensuring operational excellence across Corelation and executing the company’s strategic vision.

AGENCIES

The NCUA selected Andrew Leventis as chief economist. Leventis succeeds Ralph Monaco, who is retiring at the end of the year after seven years with the NCUA and more than 26 years in public service. Leventis joins the NCUA from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, where he served since 2005, most recently as deputy chief economist. Prior to his government service, he had extensive private sector experience as an economist and decision engineer.

Please send your People news items to Tahira Hayes at thayes@cutimes.com.