10 Credit Unions Hire, Promote & Say Goodbye

WEST

The $12.2 billion First Technology Federal Credit Union in San Jose, Calif., appointed Steve Morrison vice president of software engineering. Morrison will provide oversight and direction of First Tech’s software development and quality assurance programs as the credit union works to accelerate developer performance and optimize product quality. He joined First Tech’s San Jose corporate office in December 2018.

EAST

The $1.4 billion Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union in Lowell, Mass., is saddened to announce Richard P. Viau, former chairman of the board, passed away on Jan. 8, 2019. Viau was elected to the board on Jan. 14, 1975, and became chairman on Feb. 10, 1987. He served 41 years before retiring in 2016. In those four decades, he attended more than 500 meetings, volunteered an estimated 2,000 hours and dedicated himself to his fellow board members, Jeanne D’Arc employees and thousands of credit union members.

The $152 million Homefield Credit Union in North Grafton, Mass., promoted Kelly Benoit to SVP of compliance and training. Benoit has worked at the credit union for more than 20 years. She will be responsible for the development and continued oversight of risk management tools, practices and policies that will ensure compliance with all applicable industry laws and regulations. She will act as the credit union’s liaison for federal and state examinations, in addition to internal/external reviews and audits. Benoit will also provide continuous employee development and training throughout the credit union.

Joseph Garay, president/CEO of the $304 million Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union in Oceanside, N.Y., announced he is retiring. The credit union hired D. Hilton Associates to conduct a nationwide search to find its next president/CEO. Garay has been associated with Ocean Financial since its inception. His father founded the credit union in 1969 and he came of age learning the business. His father ran the organization for 22 years before passing it over to his son in 1991.

The $625 million Connex Credit Union in North Haven, Conn., announced Allen Guzman is vice president of Unbanking for the 2018 to 2019 academic year. The vice president of Unbanking position is an internship opportunity that provides a college student with real-world marketing experience. As the vice president of Unbanking, Guzman will work directly with Connex’s marketing department to develop new ideas that help the credit union reach a younger audience and improve the lives of its members. Some of his responsibilities also include expanding the credit union’s social media presence, representing Connex at events and assisting with the credit union’s philanthropic program, ConnexCares.

The $4.1 billion Visions Federal Credit Union in Endwell, N.Y., hired Darla Huff as vice president of risk management. Huff is a certified business continuity professional and brings more than 30 years of financial services experience to Visions, along with a 15-year background in risk management. Huff will be responsible for strengthening Visions’ regulatory compliance efforts, information security and fraud procedures, and vendor risk management.

The $767 million Point Breeze Credit Union in Hunt Valley, Md., promoted Kristin M. Reynolds to SVP, human resources. Reynolds is a 20-year veteran of the financial services industry and started her career at Point Breeze as a human resources generalist before being promoted to human resources manager and then to vice president, human resources.

SOUTH

The $2.3 billion University Federal Credit Union in Austin, Texas named Michael Crowl EVP of member experience. In this newly-created role, he will lead University FCU teams in executing on the organization’s overarching mission to connect in meaningful ways with members, simplify how members interact with the credit union and empower them to achieve financial health. He will provide executive-level oversight of all lending, retail operations, insurance services, wealth management, digital banking and payments functions. In his 13 years with University FCU, Crowl has played a crucial role in the credit union’s organizational and financial leadership.

The $53 million Heritage USA Federal Credit Union in Midland, Texas promoted Sunny Marler to assistant vice president of accounting. Marler is a Texas native and has worked for the credit union for eight years, starting as a teller and then moving to the electronics department before eventually landing in the accounting department.

The $756 million United States Senate Federal Credit Union in Alexandria, Va., appointed Timothy L. Anderson to EVP/chief retail officer. In this new role, Anderson will be responsible for all retail operations. Anderson has a storied history with United States Senate FCU. He previously served as branch manager of the credit union’s flagship location at the Hart Senate Office Building location. He also served on the credit union’s board of directors for more than 10 years in various roles, including as chairman of the board.

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