Current & Retired CU Professionals Honored

EAST

The $1.2 billion, Rochester, N.Y.-based The Summit Federal Credit Union announced that two employees, one current and one retired, were honored at the New York Credit Union Association’s (NYCUA) Annual Meeting and Convention, held in Lake George, N.Y., from June 16-19.

Michael “Mike” Vadala, former president/CEO for The Summit, was named to the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders, Class of 2022. Before joining The Summit, Vadala worked as an auditor at the NYCUA and for Eldredge, Fox and Poretti CPAs (now EFP Rotenberg). He was hired as The Summit’s CFO in 1984, and was promoted to EVP in 1992 and to president/CEO in 1995. He retired in May 2020. Vadala also served on the NAFCU board from 1997-2006, ascending to the position of chair in 2005, and was recognized as Credit Union Professional of the Year in 2010 by the NYCUA. His other accomplishments have included chairing the Credit Union Classic, an LPGA Symetra golf tournament held at Drumlins Country Club in Syracuse, N.Y., from 2012-2014, and receiving the Eloise Trainor Award from the LPGA Symetra Tour for doing the most for Women’s golf. In addition, in 2015, he founded the Danielle Downey Classic, a week-long LPGA Symetra Tour event.

Cody Seward, virtual branch manager for The Summit, was named Young Professional of the Year. Seward holds a master’s degree in history from SUNY Brockport and began his career in the financial industry as a customer services specialist with Washington Mutual & J.P. Morgan Chase in Albion, N.Y., in 2008. There, he was promoted to loss mitigation specialist in 2009, relationship manager in 2010, relationship manager job coach in 2011 and training specialist II, also in 2011. He joined The Summit as a training coordinator in 2015, and was promoted to manager of operations in 2020 and finally to the newly-created position of virtual branch manager in 2021. Seward has also served as treasurer (2019-2020) and chair (2020-2021) for NYCUA Young Professionals Commission.

MIDWEST

The $609 million, Superior, Wis.-based Superior Choice Credit Union hired Jennifer Strama as vice president of commercial lending. Strama brings over 30 years of experience in the financial industry with significant knowledge in management and lending. She most recently served as CEO for the $102 million Hayward Community Credit Union in Hayward, Wis. In her new role, Strama is responsible for leading the commercial lending team, developing new products and creating a better experience for the commercial members at Superior Choice. In addition, she will focus on community banking relationships throughout Wisconsin and northern Minnesota.

The $5.1 billion Community First Credit Union in Neenah, Wis., hired Zach Michael as a registered financial advisor for Community First Financial Advisors, which provides investment products and services to Community First members through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. In his new role, Michael will provide comprehensive financial planning, IRA solutions, 401(k) rollover options and retirement income planning. He brings 14 years of financial services industry experience, having begun his career as a relationship banker at JP Morgan Chase in 2011. After three years in that role, he became a premier banker with BMO Harris Bank before rejoining Chase in June 2018 as a licensed private client banker.

The $1.1 billion, Papillion, Neb.-based Cobalt Credit Union announced two new hires.

Mitchel Inman was hired to Cobalt’s leadership team as information security officer. Inman brings more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, having held multiple management, information technology and business strategy positions. Most recently, he served as associate director of mortgage processing at a Florida-based mortgage company. In his new role, Inman will spearhead the credit union’s information security processes to protect its information from unauthorized access, modification, disclosure and destruction.

Lisa Kohler was hired to Cobalt’s leadership team as vice president of internal audit and compliance. Kohler brings more than 16 years of audit experience, having most recently served as the internal audit manager of a local agriculture financial cooperative. In her new role, she will oversee management and assessment of risk and compliance for the credit union, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic vision and federal guidelines. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor.

Dort Financial Credit Union ($1.4 billion, Grand Blanc, Mich.) hired Sharon Lobo to its executive team as vice president of lending on May 31. In her new role, Lobo will oversee all lending and member solution activities, working alongside executive leadership to determine a multi-year strategy and focus on target markets for lending. She will also make recommendations for lending policies to support and contribute to the growth of Dort Financial, as well as be responsible for improving efficiencies and productivity through technology and enhanced procedures for both lending and member solutions. Lobo brings more than 19 years’ experience in lending and operations. Prior to joining Dort Financial, she held lending positions as assistant vice president for Universal 1 Credit Union ($475 million, Dayton, Ohio) and most recently senior lending officer for Osgood Bank in Osgood, Ohio.

The $456 million Jolt Credit Union in Saginaw, Mich., hired Matt DeVries as vice president of marketing. In his new role, DeVries will be responsible for overseeing the planning, directing and implementation of the credit union’s marketing strategy. He brings nearly 10 years of marketing and communications experience, having served in similar roles with the Midland Business Alliance, Great Lakes Loons and ESPN 100.9-FM. DeVries serves on committees for the Family & Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan, United Way of Midland County, Midland Young Professionals and the Great Lakes Bay Region chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

SOUTH

The $249 million, Miami Lakes, Fla.-based JetStream Federal Credit Union hired Danielly Camacho as manager of human resources. Camacho brings extensive HR-related experience including employee wellness, development of cultural values, strengthening and expanding feedback channels, and ensuring competitive employee compensation and benefits. She holds a master’s of arts degree in administration from Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla.

The $4.7 billion, Lake Jackson, Texas-based TDECU promoted Jason Schneider to CFO. Most recently, Schneider, who joined TDECU while attending college, served as SVP, chief of staff. Prior to that, he was vice president of finance for TDECU. In his new role, Schneider will lead all financial operations for the credit union including strategy, finance, accounting and treasury management in support of TDECU’s future growth initiatives. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, earned an MBA from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and brings experience in investments, asset-liability management, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance.

TRADES

The Defense Credit Union Council, which represents 180 credit unions serving military and veteran communities, inducted three honorees into its Hall of Honor: Karl Murphy, William “Bill” Rone and Col. Richard Rothwell, USMC (Ret.).

Murphy has served over 38 years at the $1.4 billion, El Paso, Texas-based FirstLight Federal Credit Union, including nearly 20 years as CEO. He has also served on the Armed Services YMCA board, led FirstLight to being named Army Credit Union of the Year three times, and was inducted into the Fort Bliss Hall of Fame.

Rone has served on the board of directors for the $2.8 billion, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.-based Eglin Federal Credit Union for 38 years, utilizing his experience of over 42 years in federal service to improve members’ lives. He has also served as both president and vice president of chapters of the American Society of Military Comptrollers, and currently serves as Rep. Matt Gaetz’ (R-Fla.) volunteer senior military advisor.

Rothwell will join the Hall of Honor following 31 years on the $1.2 billion, Oceanside, Calif.-based Frontwave Credit Union’s board of directors, including 10 as chairman, and 29 years of active duty in the Marine Corps.

LEAGUES

Ben Hering, director of engagement for the Minnesota Credit Union Network, was honored with an African American Credit Union Coalition Commitment to Change Young Professional Leadership Award last month during a virtual ceremony. Hering received the Brave Award for his allyship and shining a light on the needs of – as well as fighting for financial justice for – the Minneapolis community members after the murder of George Floyd. He is currently working closely with the Association for Black Economic Power to create the state’s only Black-led credit union. Hering is also a Filene Research Institute i3 alumnus, led the development of Minnesota’s first bicycle loan program, and, as an artist, has paintings installed in several Minneapolis local businesses. His other accolades have included being named the Emerging Leader of the Year by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, a Credit Union Rock Star by Credit Union Magazine and a Next Top Credit Union Executive Finalist by CUES.

VENDORS

LenderClose, a Des Moines, Iowa-based fintech lending platform provider for credit unions and banks, added Jenny Vipperman to its board of directors. Vipperman, chief lending officer for the $12.3 billion, Jacksonville, Fla.-based VyStar Credit Union, brings 15 years of experience in lending and financial services.

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