New York’s Largest Credit Union Appoints New CEO

Linda Armyn was appointed president/CEO of New York’s largest credit union on Tuesday, the board of directors of Bethpage Federal Credit Union said.

She succeeds Wayne Grossé, who retired.

He joined the Bethpage, Long Island-based financial cooperative in 1999 as COO and became CEO in January 2015. During his CEO tenure, the credit union increased assets from $5.9 billion to $13 billion, while loans grew from $3.4 billion to $8.6 billion and membership expanded from 252,152 to 455,751, according to NCUA financial performance reports.

“We offer our thanks to Wayne for his 24 years of significant contributions that led to our success to date and set us up for the future. We wish him well on his retirement,” Bethpage Board Chair Vincent Scicchitano said in a prepared statement.

Armyn joined Bethpage in August 2001, most recently serving as chief strategy and marketing officer.

Before joining the credit union movement, she held leadership positions at EAB, Group Advantage Banking and the Bank of New York.

At Bethpage, Armyn played an integral role in the organization’s strategic growth, as well as its corporate brand enhancement and comprehensive community engagement program known as Bethpage Cares.

She is the fifth president/CEO of the credit union and the first woman to hold this position.

“The board identified Linda two years ago as the potential successor as part of our long-term leadership plan,” Scicchitano said. “Linda is a dynamic strategic leader well known throughout Long Island and the credit union industry for her commitment to our 455,000 members, 800 employees and the communities we serve.”

Bethpage operates 33 locations across Long Island and one branch in New York City.

“I spent the last 22 years, along with my teammates, focused on making Bethpage a great place to work and bank,” Armyn said. “Our financial health remains strong, and I look forward to continuing our work with the board, senior management and all our teammates to live our vision to enrich the lives of our teammates, members and the communities we serve.  I am grateful and humbled, to be appointed president and CEO of an organization I love being a part of.”