CU Professionals Step Into New Leadership Roles

WEST

Teresa Campbell, president/CEO of the $11.2 billion, San Diego, Calif.-based San Diego County Credit Union, was named a 2022 Woman of Accomplishment by San Diego Metro Magazine. The award recognizes women who lead the way in the business industry, helping to drive the local economy while making a difference in the community. Campbell has been the recipient of numerous awards from local publications and has over 25 years of credit union industry experience. She currently serves on the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation’s CU Advisory Committee; served on the CFPB’s Credit Union Advisory Council from 2018-2020, served as the 2012 and 2013 board chair of the California Credit Union League and has since continued her service to the League as a board and committee member, and serves as a board member of the National Credit Union Foundation.

The $1.7 billion Unitus Community Credit Union in Portland, Ore., announced one new hire and one promotion.

Michael Namba was hired as SVP/CFO. In his new role, Namba will be responsible for all financial management activities for the organization, including financial reporting, budgeting and financial forecasts, financial performance management and balance sheet risk management. Prior to joining Unitus, he served as CFO and chief administrative officer for the $1.3 billion San Francisco Federal Credit Union, and he brings extensive experience in finance administration and operations. Namba is a Credit Union Development Educator and serves on the National Leadership Council for Positive Coaching Alliance.

Larry Cavasso was promoted to assistant vice president of finance/controller. Cavasso, who started at Unitus as assistant controller in 2019, will support the finance division in his new role. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in finance and accounting and holds a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore.

EAST

Linda Armyn, SVP of corporate affairs for the $11.5 billion, Bethpage, N.Y.-based Bethpage Federal Credit Union, was appointed business co-chair for The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council (LIREDC). Armyn has been a member of the LIREDC since 2016 and served as a member of its executive committee, co-chair of its child care committee and member of its downtown revitalization committee. She joined Bethpage in 2001, spearheads the Bethpage philanthropic effort Bethpage Cares and developed the Bethpage Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Armyn is a member of legislative and advisory committees for CUNA, the New York Credit Union Association and NAFCU; and serves as a board member locally for YMCA Long Island, Cradle of Aviation, Mentor NY and Child Care Council of Suffolk.

MIDWEST

Royal Credit Union ($4.1 billion, Eau Claire, Wis.) named five employees to the position of branch manager, all of whom are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of their office, as well as coaching, guiding and developing team members.

Shawn Dachel was named branch manager II at the Chippewa Falls Downtown office in Chippewa Falls, Wis. Dachel came to Royal in 2018 with over 11 years of financial industry experience and has served as branch manager of the Eau Claire West office. He serves as vice president of the Business Networking International Tri County Referrals Chapter for Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin.

Kayla Larson was promoted to branch manager II of Royal’s Eau Claire South office. Larson joined Royal in 2011 as a teller and has held multiple roles, including teller supervisor, member account representative (MAR) and most recently branch supervisor. She is a board member of the Chippewa Valley Chapter of Credit Unions and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor.

Courtney Ricci was named branch manager II at the Eau Claire Southwest office. Ricci has been with Royal since 2018, serving as a MAR at the Eau Claire West office until being promoted to branch supervisor of the Menomonie offices in Menomonie, Wis., in 2021.

Jennifer Smith was named branch manager II of the Eau Claire West office. Smith joined Royal in 2011 as a teller at the Eau Claire South office and went on to hold the positions of MAR, MAR III branch team lead and branch supervisor. She is a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor.

Josh Berg was promoted to branch manager II at the Eau Claire Downtown office. Berg joined Royal in 2017 as a MAR and has also served as a branch supervisor. He is an active member of Royal Young Professionals where he held the role of public relations officer.

The $2.7 billion CoVantage Credit Union in Antigo, Wis., announced one promotion and two new hires.

Bryan Ermeling was promoted to SVP-buildings and new markets. In his new role, Ermeling will oversee building and grounds, construction projects, annual facility budgets, credit union mergers and new market opportunities.

Janel Thoune was hired as SVP-marketing and mission. Thoune previously worked at Peoples State Bank as vice president/marketing director and brings 20 years of leadership and marketing strategic planning to her new role. Prior to working in the financial industry, she served for seven years as regional marketing and public relations specialist for Marshfield Clinic. Thoune holds an MBA from UW Oshkosh in Oshkosh, Wis., and a Certified Financial Marketing Professional designation. She was also recognized in the Wausau, Wis., area as a “20 Under 40 Honoree” in 2017.

Cheryl Fanning was hired as SVP-retail service, sales and operations. Fanning previously worked at UW Credit Union ($4.9, Madison, Wis.) as director of member sales and service and brings over 35 years of management and customer service experience. Her skillset includes all retail functions, employee development, training and project management. In her new role, Fanning will provide leadership and supervision for all aspects of member service and operations at all CoVantage locations. She will also be responsible for ensuring members receive outstanding value and exceptional service regardless of delivery channel, and ensuring each branch contributes to the long-term continued growth of the credit union.

The $5.9 billion Veridian Credit Union in Waterloo, Iowa promoted Mirsada Ibradzic to the position of mortgage lending sales supervisor. Ibradzic has worked at Veridian for 22 years and was previously a mortgage loan originator.

SOUTH

The $1.5 billion Sumter, S.C.-based SAFE Federal Credit Union promoted Robin Kelly to assistant vice president of compliance. Kelly has served in several positions during her 22-year tenure with SAFE, including her most recent role as director of compliance. She oversees the credit union’s regulatory compliance operations, including the consumer compliant program, fair lending education, dispute resolution and anti-money laundering program. She is certified as a CUNA Credit Union Compliance Expert.

Truliant Federal Credit Union ($3.9 billion, Winston-Salem, N.C.) promoted Jeff Hibbard to chief digital officer. Hibbard most recently served as SVP, digital experience and business transformation. In his new role, he will lead Truliant’s digital-member experience strategies, working closely with Truliant’s chief planning team to enhance the digital channel for members and increase automation of services. He will also lead project management and transformation efforts, and continue to oversee the digital member experience, innovation, enterprise automation, digital marketing, and payments and card services areas of the credit union. Hibbard is an executive committee board member for the Crosby Scholars, a Winston-Salem organization focused on creating post-secondary opportunities for high school graduates, and an admissions advisor for the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. He holds a master’s degree in information technology management from the University of Virginia and completed an executive certificate program in financial services technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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