Credit Union Hires, Promotions & New Services Announced
Canvas Credit Union has a new director of university relations as LAFCU launches investment services.
WEST
Redwood Credit Union ($5.7 billion, Santa Rosa, Calif.) hired one employee and promoted another.
Lovica Lal was hired as branch experience manager of RCU’s San Rafael branch. In her new role, Lal is responsible for community and business development efforts, as well as overseeing member service, staff and branch operations. Prior to joining RCU, Lal held jobs such as branch manager at the $622 million Community First Credit Union in Novato, Calif., branch manager at Bank of America in San Francisco and private client banker at JP Morgan Chase in New York, N.Y.
Will Thorn was promoted to vice president of human resources and training. In his new role, Thorn will oversee the strategic planning, execution and program management of human resources, recruiting and training. He joined RCU in 2006 and has held positions such as teller, member services representative, training coordinator, employee relations and development analyst, assistant manager of employee relations and human resources manager. He also served as director at large, vice president of education and individual contributor for PASCO, Sonoma County from 2015 to 2020.
The $3 billion, Lone Tree, Colo.-based Canvas Credit Union welcomed Gary Ozzello as director of university relations. Ozzello will take over the position that became available following Matt Lubick’s departure to re-enter the college coaching ranks at the University of Nebraska. Ozzello has served Colorado State University for more than four decades, most recently as director of community outreach and engagement. In his new role, set to begin in early August, he will draw on his extensive experience and network to oversee initiatives and strategies that enhance the Canvas/Colorado State University partnership.
Alaska USA Mortgage Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the $9.5 billion, Anchorage-based Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, hired Brenda Miernyk as director of sales. Miernyk has over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry.
EAST
Navy Federal Financial Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the $128.5 billion, Vienna, Va.-based Navy Federal Credit Union, hired Diane Young as COO. She joins NFFG following the retirement of Patricia Wood, who had been at the organization’s helm since 2015. Prior to joining NFFG, Young was vice president at Goldman Sachs Private Bank. She has also launched and re-positioned businesses, programs and products at full-service firms such as Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, and online firms such as TD Ameritrade and E*TRADE.
MIDWEST
The $838 million LAFCU in Lansing, Mich., announced the launch of LAFCU Investment Services, which will provide financial planning and investment products through a partnership with LPL Financial. LPL advisor Russell V. Dawson, MBA, is now available to provide counsel to members and will work from LAFCU’s DeWitt Branch. Dawson has 18 years’ experience in financial services and specializes in financial planning for individuals and businesses, and investment strategy oversight.
Royal Credit Union ($3.2 billion, Eau Claire, Wis.) hired Cassie Fisher as corporate risk manager. In her new role, she will lead the risk analyst and compliance-risk management teams, as well as lead the development and implementation of the compliance, risk management, fraud, disaster recovery, business continuity and vendor management functions. As part of her role, she will also serve as a member of the cybersecurity committee and as the compliance officer, Bank Secrecy Act and OFAC officer, and security officer. Prior to joining Royal’s team, Fisher accumulated 13 years of experience in the fields of risk management, regulatory examination and audit.
VENDORS
Digital Align, a business process transformation services provider for credit unions, named Raj Bandaru, chief information officer for the $4.1 billion, Richland, Wash.-based Gesa Credit Union (a Digital Align client), to its advisory board. Prior to joining Gesa, Bandaru spent more than 12 years at financial institutions, leading multiple technology and member service initiatives.
CUSOS
PSCU in St. Petersburg, Fla., appointed Chris Shockley, president/CEO of the $3.9 billion, North Chesterfield, Va.-based Virginia Credit Union, as a board member. Shockley has served as an associate director on the board for the past three years.
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