Credit Union Leaders Honored for Their Achievements

WEST

The $3.3 billion, Chatsworth, Calif.-based Premier America Credit Union hired four new executives.

David Fitzgerald was hired as SVP of lending operations. Fitzgerald comes to Premier America with diverse expertise in lending from senior positions at both credit unions and large financial institutions. In his new role, he will lead the lending division in growth and market expansion, overseeing residential, commercial, consumer and collections operations.

Edson Cienfuegos was hired as vice president of IT infrastructure. Having served 21 years at City National Bank, most recently in enterprise hosting management, Cienfuegos will apply his extensive IT experience in Office 365, virtualization, automation and cloud database systems to deliver robust technology solutions in his new role.

Mark Ross was hired as vice president of software development. Ross brings 20 years of experience in credit union programming, having served as a leader of technology teams in the credit union sector. He specializes in core banking systems, software development, automation and system integrations.

Todd Helmerson was hired as vice president of residential lending. Helmerson brings over 25 years’ experience in financial services, with a majority of his career spent serving the credit union vertical. His experience includes building out retail and residential lending teams with a focus on member experience and operational efficiency.

Liz McMillan, business development representative for the $3.4 billion, Lone Tree, Colo.-based Canvas Credit Union, was named to the Northern Colorado 40 Under Forty Class of 2021 by BizWest. McMillan has been with Canvas for three years, and her accomplishments have included volunteering at local nonprofits, leading free financial seminars and acting as co-chair for the credit union’s annual golf tournament. She is also a recent graduate of Leadership Northern Colorado.

Eric Maldonado, business development manager for Redwood Credit Union ($7.1 billion, Santa Rosa, Calif.), was honored by the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce of San Francisco for his leadership and contribution in serving the small business community. San Francisco Mayor London Breed and her Director of Workforce Development Joshua Arce presented Maldonado with a certificate of honor for supporting the Latino small business community in San Francisco. His recent accomplishments included connecting local businesses to local, state and federal relief programs; disseminating critical safety information; providing financial advice; and helping to spearhead innovative programs and initiatives.

The $625 million UNCLE Credit Union in Livermore, Calif., hired two new executives.

Terry Bishop was hired as vice president, CFO. Bishop, a CPA, brings nearly two decades of executive experience in the financial services industry in the areas of finance, accounting, regulatory compliance, enterprise risk management, treasury, operations and information technology. In his new role, he will steer the finance team in developing and implementing strategic planning objectives and practices to support growth and build long-term member value. Bishop most recently served as vice president, finance and compliance for a state-chartered credit union in Northern California, and before that, he served as CFO for an $800 million financial cooperative headquartered in the Midwest. He is a member of the United States Army Reserve and a board member for the Financial Managers Society.

Betina Marcelo was hired as vice president of mortgage lending. In her new role, Marcelo is responsible for oversight and direction of the credit union’s mortgage lending functions including underwriting, reporting, loan compliance, servicing and product development. Before joining UNCLE, she served as vice president of consumer lending for a Southern California-based credit union, where she was promoted three times to positions of increasing levels of responsibility. Marcelo holds an MBA and active California real estate license, and earlier in her career, she used her experience as a licensed real estate broker to establish a mortgage loan business.

EAST

Kevin Obal, a commercial underwriter in the business services department of the $781 million, Chesapeake, Va.-based ABNB Federal Credit Union, was recognized by Business Finance Group as a leading SBA 504 loan provider in 2021. Business Finance Group, a certified development company for the SBA 504 loan program, recognizes the top three individual lenders and the top three financial institutions in the southeastern region including Virginia, D.C. and West Virginia. Obal generated a total of $1.7 million in SBA 504 loans through ABNB for Business Finance Group, which works with banks and credit unions to provide SBA financing under the SBA 504 program for owner occupied real estate and fixed equipment. Obal joined ABNB in 2020 and previously worked at Automotive Services Finance, Inc. as president and Tidewater Motor Credit as director of bulk acquisitions.

MIDWEST

The $1.3 billion 7 17 Credit Union in Warren, Ohio hired Nicole Whitsel as internal audit manager. She comes to 7 17 with more than 13 years of risk management experience and holds an MBA in accounting. In her new position, Whitsel will oversee the credit union’s internal auditing department.

Royal Credit Union ($3.9 billion, Eau Claire, Wis.) promoted Heather Johnson Schmitz to financial education manager. In her new position, Johnson Schmitz is responsible for the strategic direction, growth and operations of Royal’s community financial education initiatives and School $ense program. She joined Royal in 2016 as grant and giving coordinator. Over the past five years, Johnson Schmitz has led Royal’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) initiative, served as a liaison to the RCU Foundation and became a member of the Credit Union Foundation Network’s Networking and Education Committee. She holds a master of science degree from Waldon University in Minneapolis with a concentration in teaching and learning. Johnson Schmitz is also a 2020 graduate of Royal’s Exploring Leadership program, and has led multiple department level and corporate projects including Rock the Riverfront and Community Give Back Day.

The $883 million Notre Dame Federal Credit Union in Notre Dame, Ind., hired Aimee Walsh as a private banker. In her new role, Walsh will provide full service concierge-level banking to the member-owners of Notre Dame FCU. She holds a Financial Planning Certificate and brings over 10 years of industry experience.

Jackie Buchanan, president/CEO of the $3.8 billion, Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Genisys Credit Union, was awarded the Consumers Energy Cares Award at the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Silver & Gold Awards on Dec. 6 in recognition of her dedication and commitment to community. Buchanan joined Genisys 30 years ago and assumed the position of CEO in 2010. In addition, on Dec. 13 at the 20th Annual Leadership Awards Dinner presented by Walsh College, Buchanan received the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes business leaders who have shared their expertise and talent in their commitment to Walsh. She graduated from the Troy, Mich.-based Walsh with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is a Walsh College Board Trustee.

Larry Ketelsen, a long-time board member for the $528 million, Bettendorf, Iowa-based Ascentra Credit Union, retired after 52 years of service. He began his tenure as a board member of Clinco Credit Union in Clinton, Iowa, and guided the credit union through a name change to Members Choice Community Credit Union and its subsequent merger with Ascentra. In 2015, Ketelsen was recognized by the Iowa Credit Union League as the recipient of the Heritage Award.

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