New Year, New Roles for Professionals at 9 Credit Unions

WEST

The $4.6 billion Desert Financial Credit Union in Phoenix, Ariz., promoted Cathy Graham to EVP, reporting directly to the CEO. She previously served as SVP, chief marketing and strategy officer. Along with marketing and strategy, Graham will now oversee all retail operations, including the branches and external member services. In addition to her expertise in advertising and marketing, she has been instrumental in creating the credit union’s new brand, revised strategic direction and relaunch of its mission, vision and values.

EAST

The $7.5 billion Teachers Federal Credit Union in Hauppauge, N.Y., named Denise McGlone CFO. Most recently, McGlone served as CFO for Pentagon Federal Credit Union in Alexandria, Va. At PenFed, McGlone played a pivotal role in securing an upgraded regulatory rating, introducing a new student loan borrowers’ platform and implementing strategies that deployed capital to meet members’ needs while ensuring liquidity, financial performance and net worth for the institution during her tenure.

The $694 million Connex Credit Union in North Haven, Conn., hired Brian Tomlinson as branch manager for its Monroe branch. Tomlinson will be responsible for promoting growth and profitability through the organic expansion of retail and commercial member relationships, as well as business development within the branch community. Tomlinson joins Connex from KeyBank, where he spent two years as a manager. Throughout his more than 20-year career, Tomlinson has also held management positions at major financial institutions across the state including NYCB, Webster Bank, Patriot National Bank and TD Bank.

The $3.2 billion Tower Federal Credit Union in Laurel, Md., hired Tom Poe as vice president/director of marketing and business intelligence. Poe will develop and implement Tower’s marketing and business development strategy, as well as enhance the credit union’s data and analytics capabilities. Poe has more than 20 years of marketing, technology and customer service experience, including over seven in the credit union industry.

The $204 million First Capital Federal Credit Union in York, Penn., hired Bobbie Ford as assistant vice president of member services.

Ford will oversee the branches and work with branch staff to provide the best possible member experience. Before joining First Capital, she worked for Peoples Bank in the retail operations department. Ford brings a wealth of knowledge to First Capital, having been in banking for the past 17 years. Ford is active in the community, serving as vice president of the Northeastern Youth Sports Association and a member of the Women’s Referral Exchange Network.

MIDWEST

The $4.3 billion Veridian Credit Union in Waterloo, Iowa promoted Sanda Abdic to account resolution team lead. Abdic, a resident of Waterloo, has worked at Veridian for 10 years. She was previously a loan officer. Abdic has a bachelor’s degree in financial management from Upper Iowa University. She is a board member at Grin and Grow Child Care.

The $1.8 billion Together Credit Union in St. Louis, Mo., hired Claire Trunko as chief people officer.

Her role includes overseeing all employee functions, including talent acquisition and retention, performance management, compensation and benefits, and cultural alignment. She is also responsible for leading the strategic vision for community engagement and social responsibility, organizational effectiveness and the employee resource center teams.

The $977 million Honor Credit Union in Berrien Springs, Mich., hired Dustin Adams as vice president of finance.

In this role, Adams will manage the finance, accounting and business intelligence teams. Adams brings a wealth of experience in corporate strategy, financial reporting, analytics development and investment analysis in the financial services industry. In addition, he holds CFA and CPA certifications, both of which will prove valuable in understanding financial performance and risks, and will assist him in his role to drive the credit union forward through data analysis and utilization.

SOUTH

The $643 million ABNB Federal Credit Union in Chesapeake, Va., promoted two employees.

Brenda Reed-Olejasz was promoted to director of E-Services. During her 16-year tenure at ABNB, Reed-Olejasz has served as district manager, director of operations, director of branch administration and director of retail sales. She most recently served as the director of branch operations, overseeing the branch network covering Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina. As director of E-Services, Reed-Olejasz manages ABNB’s electronic services, the member service center, product development and the deposit product portfolio.

Leisa Brissett was promoted to director of branch operations. During her 16-year tenure at ABNB, Brissett has served as a member service representative, area manager and relationship manager. She has more than 20 years of experience in retail branch banking and a passion for building member relationships. As director of branch operations, Brissett works closely with ABNB’s branch relationship managers to ensure sales, service and operational functions are all being performed as efficiently as possible. She also offers leadership, guidance and training for employee development and advancement in order to build strong employee relationships.

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