Professionals Advance & Conclude Their Careers at 10 CUs

WEST

Joe Schroeder, president/CEO of the $904 million, Ventura, Calif.-based Ventura County Credit Union is retiring. Linda Rossi, chief administrative officer, was selected to replace him, effective April 2. Schroeder will remain at Ventura County CU, acting in a consulting role through year’s end. Schroeder’s career in the credit union industry spans more than 30 years. He first earned the CEO title at age 35. During his time at the credit union, Schroeder has been instrumental in expanding the credit union’s community involvement, pioneering a variety of charitable giving, employee volunteerism and underserved outreach initiatives. Under his leadership, the credit union’s assets grew from $486 million to more than $900 million.

The $2.4 billion Nusenda Credit Union Albuquerque, N.M., named Jason Anderson SVP of member experience. Anderson has more than 23 years of banking experience, and spent the last 13 years at Bank of the West in Albuquerque and San Francisco. In his most recent role, he was SVP and channel development group manager, overseeing strategic sales and service initiatives across 539 retail branches in 19 states. Prior to his work at Bank of the West, he worked at Bank of America, Bank of Albuquerque and Bank of Oklahoma in various marketing, public relations and district manager roles.

The $5 billion Redwood Credit Union in Santa Rosa, Calif., promoted Nick Clay to external real estate manager. In his new role, Clay will oversee the external mortgage loan officers as they support members through the home loan process. Clay joined RCU in 2005, and has been promoted eight times in that span, moving from teller to member services, operations, branch services and now real estate.

EAST

The $713 million Connex Credit Union in North Haven, Conn., named Richard Sudol vice president and CFO. Sudol will take on an integral role in guiding Connex’s strategic direction and development. Sudol will also oversee Connex’s financial activities. He will be responsible for managing the preparation of compliant financial reports, as well as monitoring general economic trends to identify potential short-term and long-term opportunities for future growth in overall sales and market share. Sudol brings more than 30 years of banking and financial services experience to the position.

MIDWEST

The $886 million Great Lakes Credit Union in Bannockburn, Ill., promoted Michael Hersh to chief human resources and organizational development officer. In this new role, he will continue to lead the credit union’s talent management, cultural transformation and employee development initiatives. Hersh has been instrumental in transforming the credit union’s culture.

The $657 million Heritage Federal Credit Union Newburgh, Ind., promoted Tony Aylsworth from chief risk officer to president.

Aylsworth has served as chief risk officer since 2018. He has more than 25 years of financial institution experience and, before coming to the credit union, held multiple positions including director of regulatory risk management and director of compliance, as well as owned his own general practice law office.

The $289 million Cornerstone Community Financial in Auburn Hills, Mich., hired Jennifer Dickey as vice president of talent and culture.

In her new role, Dickey is responsible for leading all facets of CCF’s human resources functions for its 75 employees, including aligning the corporate culture and talent capabilities to support the credit union’s strategic priorities.

The $985 million Credit Union of America in Wichita, Kan., hired Cindy Short as a real estate loan officer for the CUA Salina office. Short brings more than four years of financial experience to CUA, including her most recent position as a mortgage loan officer at a bank in Salina.

Short will guide and assist members with their home lending needs and provide local underwriting of home loans.

SOUTH

The $126 million JM Associates Federal Credit Union in Jacksonville, Fla., announced the retirement of Paul E. Numbers, Jr., who served as vice president of finance for the past five years. He has served the credit union movement for more than 35 years including as CEO of two other credit unions. Before joining the credit union movement, Numbers served in the U. S. Navy.

CUSOS

SCF Solutions, LLC, the CUSO of the $1.8 billion South Carolina Federal Credit Union in North Charleston, S.C., hired Todd Pelfrey as a senior insurance agent, serving clients in the midlands region. In this role, Pelfrey will work with clients to assess their insurance needs and find the right solutions for their lifestyles. Pelfrey has more than 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining SCF Solutions, he worked with Tradesmen International, American National and South Carolina Farm Bureau.

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