Rhode Island’s Largest Credit Union Names New CEO
Kathleen Orovitz will lead Navigant Credit Union starting in October when Gary Furtado retires.
Rhode Island’s largest credit union will soon get a new president/CEO who began her financial services career as a teller.
Kathleen C. Orovitz will take over the helm at the $3.3 billion Navigant Credit Union in Smithfield in October when current President/CEO Gary E. Furtado will begin his previously announced retirement after 35 years of service, the board of directors said in a prepared statement Wednesday.
“Kathy leads multiple business lines including retail banking, marketing, digital delivery, wealth management and community development,” Navigant Board Chair Ann M. Kashmanian said. “Her 13 years of experience on our senior management team has prepared her with the knowledge and skills to lead Navigant Credit Union, and the board of directors has full confidence in her ability to move Navigant forward in fulfilling our vision of a great member experience supported by a culture that fosters teamwork and creativity.”
Beginning her career as a teller, Orovitz holds more than 30 years of diverse experience in the financial services industry.
She joined Navigant in 2009 as EVP and chief retail banking officer, serving on the credit union’s senior leadership and strategic planning teams.
Orovitz led the organization’s expansion from nine branches to 23 throughout the state. As the credit union grew, she implemented an organizational change to a more regional approach, leading the process of hiring and training a team of regional managers to oversee day-to-day retail operations across the credit union.
Prior to joining Navigant, Orovitz served as the director of retail banking at Bank Rhode Island and as vice president of retail sales and compensation at Santander.
“Kathy’s wealth of experience and deep commitment to Navigant Credit Union’s mission and culture puts her in an ideal position to continue to build upon our growth and success as our next leader,” Furtado said. “I offer my sincere congratulations to Kathy and look forward to Navigant Credit Union’s next chapter.”
Navigant’s 379 employees serve more than 131,000 members.