Credit Unions, Leagues Hire, Promote & Honor Professionals

WEST

The $1 billion Ventura County Credit Union in Ventura, Calif., welcomed Dianne Clapp as vice president of risk management. Clapp is responsible for assessing and mitigating risks, and establishing policies and procedures to support the credit union’s continued growth and success. She brings more than three decades of risk management experience to her role at VCCU. Most recently, she worked as an executive consultant for a variety of fintech companies, credit unions and rating agencies. She has also held risk management positions with Bank of the West, Citigroup and GE Capital.

The $1.1 billion One Nevada Credit Union in Las Vegas hired Tony Humphrey as vice president of mortgage lending. He will oversee the credit union’s mortgage lending activities, direct all facets of the mortgage life cycle and implement new technology solutions. Humphrey has been an executive in the banking industry for nearly 25 years. Prior to joining One Nevada, he was vice president of mortgage lending for the $1.5 billion iQ Credit Union in Vancouver, Wash., vice president of mortgage lending/sales and servicing for the $3.4 billion UNIFY Financial Credit Union in Torrance, Calif., and led Wells Fargo’s mortgage operations team as vice president and regional mortgage fulfillment operations manager for retail banking.

MIDWEST

The $3.2 billion Royal Credit Union in Eau Claire, Wis., hired two new team members.

Michael (Mickey) Noone was hired as vice president – business lending manager. He is responsible for establishing, leading and executing the strategic initiative for business lending at Royal. Noone is assuming the role following the retirement of David Thoe. Noone has over 20 years of business banking experience, and is a former business owner, non-profit founder and Certified Treasury Professional.

Denise Wright was hired as regional director of branch operations. In this role, she is responsible for leading and supporting Royal branch managers in the Metro communities to meet the needs of members while providing an exceptional experience. Wright began working for Royal in 2019 as a branch manager in the Edina, Minn., office and brings over 11 years of experience in the financial industry.

The $800 million, Lansing, Mich.-based LAFCU appointed Kelli Ellsworth Etchison as its first chief diversity officer.

She will also continue as LAFCU’s chief marketing officer, a position she has held since 2015. As chief diversity officer, Ellsworth Etchison is responsible for the credit union’s diversity and inclusion program, policies and goals. She has more than 35 years of experience in the credit union industry and has been with LAFCU for more than 30 years. In addition, she is a commissioner and serves as secretary for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, and was recently appointed to the study committee for the City of East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission.

The $662 million, Flint, Mich.-based Financial Plus Credit Union hired Rachelle Kippe as vice president of mortgage lending. In this role, she is responsible for establishing, leading and executing the credit union’s strategic mortgage lending initiatives. Kippe has nearly three decades of leadership experience in the banking industry. She is also an affiliate member of the East Central Association of Realtors, member of the Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association, affiliate member of the Women’s Council of Realtors, and board chair for local nonprofit Metro Community Development, Inc.

Gail DeBoer, president/CEO for the $1 billion Cobalt Credit Union in Papillion, Neb., announced her retirement effective Jan. 4, 2021 after 32 years of service with the credit union. DeBoer held several positions at Cobalt before becoming president/CEO in 2007, and has been active in civic and community organizations. Alan Stoltenberg, Cobalt’s former chief lending officer, will succeed DeBoer and serve as EVP until her retirement.

Veridian Credit Union ($4.79 billion, Waterloo, Iowa) promoted Amanda Ott to the position of integration analyst II.

Ott has worked at Veridian for 14 years and previously served as a project manager. She is secretary for the board of directors at Inclusion Connection, a local nonprofit.

LEAGUES

The Maine Credit Union League and its technology solutions provider, Synergent, welcomed Elise Baldacci back to the organization as SVP of policy. She will be responsible for leading government affairs, risk management and compliance efforts. Baldacci previously worked for the League as vice president of governmental affairs before leaving to work in state government for the past two years.

The Dakota Credit Union Association recognized three Dakota credit union professionals during its recent awards banquet at the Denny Sanford Premier Convention Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Heather Fleck, vice president of operations at the $133.5 million Railway Credit Union in Mandan, N.D., received the Professional of the Year Award for her contributions to advance the credit union movement by helping to craft an environment that allows credit unions to grow and prosper in order to better serve their members.

George Jewett, a volunteer at the $1.5 billion Black Hills Federal Credit Union in Rapid City, S.D., was named Volunteer of the Year. This award goes to one volunteer each year who has selflessly contributed time, effort and talent to the development of the credit union movement in their state.

Jon Griffin, COO and chief risk officer for the $596 million Capital Credit Union in Bismarck, N.D., received the Emerging Leader of the Year Award.

This award recognizes one credit union employee who has shown proven dedication and enthusiasm for the credit union movement by executing the credit union mission, and guiding the mission in new directions that enhance the overall vision of their organization.

Please send your People news items to Natasha Chilingerian at nchilingerian@cutimes.com.