The Summit Federal Credit Union Appoints New CEO

Laurie Baker will become the new president/CEO of the $988 million Summit Federal Credit Union in Rochester, N.Y. on Feb. 1, the board of directors said Monday.

She will succeed The Summit’s President/CEO Mike Vadala, who is retiring after working at the cooperative for more than 35 years, serving 25 years as CEO.

Baker joined the credit union more than 25 years ago as vice president of lending. In 2001, she was promoted to chief operating officer.

In its prepared statement, The Summit FCU said Baker’s tenure produced successful business planning, engagement and development initiatives for employees, expanded community relations efforts, and developed programs and products for members’ evolving needs.

“Having worked with Laurie for over twenty-five years, her appointment as President and CEO reinforces my confidence in The Summit’s future,” Vadala said. “Laurie has a lot of accomplishments, and her strategic acumen is a huge asset to The Summit. But more importantly, Laurie is a natural leader who is 100% dedicated to our members and employees, and inspires others to do their best.”

Outside The Summit, Baker has chaired and is a member of several community and industry boards of directors. As a board member and former board chair of Villa of Hope, she was honored as the organization’s inaugural “Champion of Hope” in 2017. Baker also was a finalist for 2018’s Rochester Business Journal Athena Award, recognizing female leaders in the Rochester area.

The Summit FCU operates 16 branches throughout central and western New York and employs 237 staff that serves nearly 90,000 members.