Credit Unions in Louisiana Name New CEOs

The board of directors for Meritus Credit Union in Lafayette, La., said Brian Leger will become president/CEO in September following the retirement of current President/CEO Connie S. Roy.

Under Roy’s leadership, Meritus CU grew from roughly $40 million in assets with approximately 7,000 members in 2000 to $202 million assets and more than 22,000 members today.

After 32 years of service to the credit union, Roy says she’s looking forward to spending more quality time with her family, pursuing hobbies, volunteering and traveling.

“Connie’s contributions will always be valued and remembered,” Dale Henderson, Meritus Credit Union board chair, said. “Her hard work, commitment, and dedication to the financial health of our credit union and community are worthy of admiration. We wish Connie a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.”

Leger comes to the CEO position with 15 years of experience, serving in several capacities at Meritus CU. His most recent experience included serving as chief administrative officer, leading the community development, human resources, marketing, and information technology departments.

The $33 million Section 705 Federal Credit Union in Lafayette, La., selected Melanie Riedl as its president/CEO.

She succeeds Anna. M. Trahan who is retiring after 30 years of service.

Riedl holds more than 12 years of credit union experience, serving most recently as vice president of development and strategic initiatives at the $48 million University of Louisiana Federal Credit Union also based in Lafayette.

In other CEO news, Gene Foley, president/CEO of Harvard University Employees Credit Union in Cambridge, Mass., said he plans to retire in July.

An executive search to name a successor is underway.

Last year, Foley marked his 40th anniversary with the credit union, starting out as a teller in 1979. He has served as HUECU’s president/CEO for 25 years.

During Foley’s executive tenure he helped the credit union grow from about $90 million in assets to $815 million in assets as of the end of 2019, according to HUECU.

In addition to growing the credit union’s products and services, he expanded its field of membership to serve Harvard University students and alumni, developed an extensive student loan program and won the competitive bid to issue the Harvard Alumni Association credit card product.

Foley is credited with creating Harvard University’s first financial literacy class in collaboration with students and professors.

He also has been an influential figure in the credit union industry and has served in various leadership positions both locally and nationally.

“His commitment to our membership, Harvard University and the credit union industry is unparalleled, and through his efforts he has not only developed an outstanding organization, but has brought positive and meaningful changes of all of our constituents,” George White, HUECU board chair, said.