11 CUs Nationwide Announce 14 New Roles, One Board Appointment

WEST

The $3.4 million Premier America Credit Union in Chatsworth, Calif., announced two new hires.

Tamara Scott was hired as vice president of retail delivery. Scott brings over 20 years of diverse experience in the areas of retail management, sales and training. She has held management roles for large financial institutions and credit unions in Alabama, Michigan and California, and earned an MBA from the Minneapolis-based Walden University. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing Premier America’s network of branches in California and Texas.

Paula Kim was hired as vice president of digital products and services. Kim brings over 17 years of expertise implementing robust and seamless omnichannel experiences, as well as managing the development of products throughout the product life-cycle. She has held management roles for large regional banks and will be responsible for spearheading initiatives to enhance the user experience across Premier America’s digital channels to drive growth.

The $3.8 billion, Albuquerque, N.M.-based Nusenda Credit Union hired Linda Valentine to its new mortgage department as a senior mortgage loan originator. Valentine will be focused on serving southern New Mexico, and brings extensive experience in processing, underwriting, closing and funding mortgages, as well as in refinancing homes. Nusenda announced the addition of a mortgage services team at its Pan Am Branch in Las Cruces, N.M., on May 5.

The $7.5 billion Redwood Credit Union in Santa Rosa, Calif., hired Demi Pike as branch experience manager of its Sonoma, Calif., branch. In her new role, Pike is responsible for overseeing member service, staff development and daily branch operations, as well as for partnering with local businesses and community organizations. She brings more than eight years of local banking experience, most recently serving as assistant vice president and financial center manager at Bank of America. She also served on Bank of America’s North Bay Volunteer Board, and is a coach with the Rohnert Park Girls Softball Association in Rohnert Park, Calif.

EAST

Ardent Credit Union ($860 million, Philadelphia) announced that Rick Holzworth, an attorney at Cozen O’Connor in Philadelphia, was elected to its board of directors. Holzworth represents corporate fiduciaries and high-net-worth individuals in complex estate and trust disputes, and advises on risk mitigation strategies. While at Cozen O’Connor, Holzworth has also served as lead trial attorney in will contest litigation, trustee removal and resignation matters, fee disputes and trustee surcharge litigation involving court accountings, petitions for adjudication, receipt and release agreements, and in appellate matters involving trust/will interpretation and statutory construction. Holzworth has served on the board of Bike Share Pittsburgh, Healthy Ride; as a member of the executive leadership council for the American Diabetes Association; on the board of directors of the alumni association for Pennsylvania State University and as a Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Fellow for Propel Charter Schools. He holds a graduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and earned his juris doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

The $2.9 billion Empower Federal Credit Union in Syracuse, N.Y., hired Brandon Mimas as an investment services assistant for Empower Investment Services LLC effective April 2022. In his new role, he will be offering services to members in the Syracuse area. Mimas holds his New York State life, accident and health licenses, as well as his FINRA 7/66 Registrations.

ABNB Federal Credit Union ($812 million, Chesapeake, Va.) hired Elaine Cuevas as director of training. Cuevas has been working in the credit union industry for over 30 years in a variety of member service and training roles. She previously served as performance and development manager at the $954 million 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union in Yorktown, Va., and had prior experience at the $81 million, Newport News, Va.-based Virginia Educators Credit Union in a variety of member service and operational roles. In her new role, Cuevas will oversee the training and development department at ABNB, and well as have comprehensive responsibilities for retail training for frontline staff and other departments at the credit union.

MIDWEST

Cobalt Credit Union ($1.1 billion, Papillion, Neb.) hired Todd Travaille as a financial advisor in its wealth management department. Travaille brings over 10 years of financial experience and most recently served as a licensed relationship banker at a local financial institution. He holds Series 7 and 63 certifications from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and a Nebraska Insurance Producer license, and is a Licensed Relationship Banker. In his new role, Travaille will meet with members and assist them with their investment, insurance, retirement, estate and financial planning. He holds a master of arts in education from Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., and an MBA from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Neb.

The $373 million, O’Fallon, Mo.-based West Community Credit Union hired Karie Handley as branch manager of its Kirkwood, Mo., location. Handley brings over a decade of banking experience and will be responsible for the management of overall operations that will help drive branch growth for the Kirkwood location. She will also play a key role in West Community’s continued focus on community involvement in the Kirkwood area.

The $3.6 billion, Muskego, Wis.-based Corporate Central Credit Union hired Brittany Poe as risk and compliance coordinator. In her new role, Poe will be responsible for coordinating risk management and compliance activities across Corporate Central’s staff, departments, members and future members. She will also serve as a resource for staff and members’ inquiries regarding organizational risk and compliance. Poe previously worked for a local credit union overseeing debit/credit card portfolios and vendor management, while also assisting with the HR and member services departments. She holds an MBA from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, La.

SOUTH

The $5.9 billion, Oklahoma City, Okla.-based Tinker Federal Credit Union announced one promotion and three new hires.

Chelle Plumley was promoted to vice president and regional director of operations. Plumley has worked at TFCU for 31 years, and has advanced during that time from the role of part-time teller to branch management.

Mikey Brantley was hired as vice president and regional director of operations. Brantley joins TFCU with 21 years of credit union experience, and most recently worked at MECU Credit Union ($172 million, Oklahoma City), spending the last four years as vice president of operations. In their new roles, Plumley and Brantley will provide guidance for TFCU’s branches and call centers, advise branch staff on the credit union’s policies and procedures, and help members who are in need of additional assistance.

Cindy Flanigan was hired as EVP and chief people officer. In her new role, Flanigan is responsible for ensuring TFCU hires and retains employees who will contribute to its people-focused mission of helping members achieve their goals and realize their dreams. She will also advocate for employees’ career development and educational opportunities, and ensure a friendly, positive and professional working environment. Flanigan has 20 years of experience in human resources and more than three decades of financial institution experience. She is a Society of Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional and Certified Financial Marketing Professional.

Jennalee Hunter was hired as vice president and manager of human resources. In her new role, Hunter is responsible for overseeing the daily work of the HR department, and ensuring the credit union hires and retains knowledgeable employees who will help support members in every facet of their credit union needs. She has nine years of experience in financial institutions and nearly seven years of experience in HR management, and is a Society of Human Resources Management Certified Professional and certified Lean facilitator.

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