CUs, Leagues Appoint New Executives & Board Officials

WEST

The $1.3 billion, Van Nuys, Calif.-based Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union hired Avo Mkhitaryan as COO, effective May 18. In his new role, Mkhitaryan is responsible for overseeing branch service, sales, operations, member services, loan services, marketing and business development, while supporting the credit union’s strategic plan. He joins LAPFCU with more than 20 years of financial institution experience, having most recently served as SVP of lending and member service centers at Logix Federal Credit Union ($9 billion, Valencia, Calif.). Mkhitaryan also held several executive leadership roles in lending, operations, marketing, business development, strategy and finance. In addition, he previously served as a public official for the Glendale Unified School District, Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee in Glendale, Calif., and board member of the Glendale Youth Alliance and the Armenian American Public Service Employees’ Association. He holds an MBA from Woodbury University in Burbank, Calif., is a graduate of the Western CUNA Management School and holds a Certified Chief Executive designation from the CUES CEO Institute.

EAST

The $2.7 billion, Fort Washington, Pa.-based TruMark Financial Credit Union promoted Christine Bollendorf to vice president of its Member Service Center (MSC). Bollendorf brings over 15 years’ experience in the financial industry, starting as an MSC representative at TruMark Financial, where she interacted daily with members to assist them with their banking needs. In 2020, she moved into the role of assistant vice president of operations of the MSC, where she was responsible for managing the MSC’s systems and operations. In her new role, Bollendorf will be responsible for overseeing the entire MSC, ensuring operations, sales and service standards are met.

SOUTH

The $1.5 billion, Sumter, S.C.-based SAFE Federal Credit Union hired Martha Brendle as controller. Brendle most recently served as accounting manager for the $4.7 billion Coastal Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C. She also previously served as vice president of accounting and controller at the $1.8 billion, Indian Land, S.C.-based Sharonview Federal Credit Union and brings expertise in accounting workflow enhancement, strategic reporting and organizational leadership. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and accounting from Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C.

LEAGUES

The Mississippi Credit Union Association announced the election of its board of directors on May 12. The 12-member MSCUA board represents the association’s 66 member credit unions in Mississippi that provide financial services to more than 700,000 members.

Sheila Bridges, president/CEO for the $41.8 million, Ridgeview, Miss.-based Brightview Federal Credit Union, was re-elected to a three-year term.

John Gibbons, president/CEO for the $123.8 million, Columbus, Miss.-based Triangle Federal Credit Union, was re-elected to a three-year term.

Chris Hammond, president/CEO for the $299 million, Hattiesburg, Miss.-based Sunbelt Federal Credit Union, was re-elected to a three-year term.

James B. Smith, Jr., president/CEO for the $263 million, Moss Point, Miss.-based Singing River Federal Credit Union, was re-elected to a three-year term.

James Hollingsworth, board chairman for the $4.3 billion, Biloxi, Miss.-based Keesler Federal Credit Union, was elected to a fill an unexpired one-year term.

The CrossState Credit Union Association, which serves 519 credit unions across New Jersey and Pennsylvania with combined assets of $63 billion and five million members, named a new board chair and vice chair at its Annual Business Meeting held at the CrossState Reconnect Annual Convention in late May.

Andy Jaeger, CEO of the $436 million Credit Union of New Jersey in Ewing, was named board chair. He succeeded Rick Stipa, CEO of TruMark Financial Credit Union, who completed his term.

Wendy Kingsland, president/CEO for the $42.9 million, Bridgeville, Pa.-based Visionary Federal Credit Union, was named vice chair.

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