CU Professionals Start New Posts, One CEO Announces Retirement

WEST

Michelle Dearholt, EVP of operations for the $3.8 billion, Albuquerque, N.M.-based Nusenda Credit Union, was honored as a Diverse Business Leader by Albuquerque Business First. The award recognizes leaders who embody what it truly means to champion diversity and inclusion in relation to professional achievement, contributions to the community and leadership qualities. In 2020, Dearholt championed efforts to formalize a DEI program at Nusenda and develop a charter establishing a DEI Advisory Council. More recently, she led the hiring of the credit union’s first chief learning and diversity officer.

EAST

Joe Tedesco, president/CEO of the $382 million, Oceanside, N.Y.-based Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union was honored by the Catholic Charities of Long Island on Long Island, N.Y., at the organization’s annual golf classic at the Huntington Crescent Club in Huntington, N.Y. Catholic Charites of Long Island chooses one honoree at its annual golf classic who best exemplifies leadership and continued support to both Catholic Charities and those in need. In addition to being a member of the board of trustees of Catholic Charities of Long Island, Tedesco is a Third Degree Knight with the Father Joseph O’Connell Knights of Columbus Council 3481 in Oceanside.

Thomas C. White, president/CEO for the $2.5 billion, Rockland, Mass.-based Rockland Federal Credit Union, announced his plans to retire in May 2023. White’s credit union career has included serving as CEO for Rockland for the past 30 years, during which time the credit union grew to serving more than 200,000 members, having more $300 million in capital and employing 190 employees. He will play a vital role in the transition to a new CEO during his remaining time at the credit union.

MIDWEST

The $965 million, Notre Dame, Ind.-based Notre Dame Federal Credit Union promoted Suzanne Kost to chief credit officer. Kost joined the credit union in 2017 as director of commercial operations and most recently served as director of loan administration. With almost 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Kost began her career as a teller. She gradually took on roles with increasing responsibilities, progressing to assistant vice president and commercial loan officer before joining Notre Dame FCU.

SOUTH

The $993 million Greater Texas Credit Union in Austin, Texas hired Will Van Alstine as branch manager for its Lamar location at 6411 N. Lamar Blvd. in Austin. Van Alstine brings nearly 20 years of management experience to the credit union, having led retail operations for several other financial institutions as well as being an area sales manager for a national retail outlet. In his new role, Van Alstine’s responsibilities will focus on managing branch staff, training and developing the branch team, and expanding membership within the area surrounding the branch. He will also serve as the credit union’s local community advocate by becoming involved in volunteer initiatives within local charities and community organizations.

TRADES

The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) in Washington, D.C., hired Haleigh Laverty as communications specialist. Laverty joins DCUC as an Air Force veteran who specialized in public affairs and broadcasting during her years of service. Her work in communications and public affairs in the Air Force received multiple awards, including the US Air Force Achievement Medal. After separating from the Air Force, Laverty earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations.

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