14 CU Professionals, Including 6 Executives, Start New Positions

WEST

The $969 million, San Jose, Calif.-based Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union hired Simran Gyani as chief brand officer. Gyani brings more than 20 years of experience in brand and marketing, with over 10 years in financial services. She most recently served as head of brand and advertising for MUFG across all three of its brands: MUFG, Union Bank and PurePoint Financial. She holds an MBA with a concentration in marketing from Santa Clara University.

Dietmar Huesch, EVP/COO/CFO for the $792 million, First Financial Credit Union in Pasadena, Calif., announced he will retire after 11 years of service.

Dan Frilot will succeed Huesch, assuming the role of SVP/CFO. Frilot brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, and in his new role, he will oversee the finance and accounting divisions as well as support other areas of the credit union.

EAST

The $879 million, Chesapeake, Va.-based ABNB Federal Credit Union announced six new hires within its digital member services department.

Viola Williams was hired as digital member services manager. Williams’ brings experience in finance operations, as well as in learning and development management. In her new role, she will oversee the day-to-day operations of the digital member services department.

Bradley Kovicic was hired as a digital member services e-branch specialist. He brings experience in information technology and customer service.

Niesha Williams was hired as a digital member services specialist. She brings military and customer service experience to her new role.

Kayla Dewhirst was hired as a digital member services specialist. She brings experience in banking and customer service.

Stephanie Tolliver was hired as a digital member services specialist. She brings customer service experience to her new role.

Chaqueia Scott was hired as a digital member services specialist. She brings experience in banking and customer service.

The $2.1 billion, Lowell, Mass.-based Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union announced one promotion and one new hire.

Corinne Badenhoff was promoted to learning and development officer. Badenhoff joined Jeanne D’Arc in 2019 as senior corporate trainer. In her new role, she will oversee two employees while being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the learning and development department, focusing on working collaboratively with each team member to help them be successful in their individual roles while improving employee development across the credit union. Badenhoff will also look to develop a diversified suite of learning opportunities from employee orientation and onboarding to building customized learning strategies. She is currently enrolled in the master’s program for human resource management at Southern New Hampshire University.

Denise Gallant was hired as vice president-controller. Gallant brings more than 35 years of experience in the financial industry, having held various titles including vice president-loan operations and vice president-controller. In her new role, she will manage all general ledger systems and accounting modules, as well as all accounting, accounts payable, reconcilement activities and investment accounting safekeeping records for the credit union. Gallant holds a master’s of science in accounting/finance from Southern New Hampshire University.

The $965 million, North Haven, Conn.-based Connex Credit Union hired André Johnson as SVP and chief information officer. Johnson brings more than 25 years of experience, having previously held roles at organizations such as General Electric, GE Capital and Dell EMC. More recently, he ran his own IT advisory and consulting firm. In his new role, Johnson will be responsible for overseeing Connex’s information technology strategies and ensuring alignment with the overall business goals. He will also play a critical role in shaping the company’s technology landscape, driving digital transformation and enabling agile responses to evolving market dynamics.

MIDWEST

The $1.1 billion Notre Dame Federal Credit Union in Notre Dame, Ind., hired Rachel Moreland as a senior commercial loan officer. Moreland brings over 18 years of banking experience, having recently served eight years at Kalsee Credit Union ($273 million, Portage, Mich.), including the last four years as a business services manager. Moreland graduated from CUNA Management School at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019, obtaining her Certified Credit Union Executive designation. In her new role, Moreland will cultivate relationships with new and existing member/owners, underwrite and structure loans, and work collaboratively with the team to expand the commercial loan portfolio. She serves as secretary on the board of directors at the Battle Creek, Mich.-based Charitable Union, an organization that contributes to human dignity and connects people to resources in the community by providing clothing, bedding and small household items at no charge.

SOUTH

The $2.4 billion, Burbank, Calif.-based Partners Federal Credit Union announced two promotions.

Karen Spires was promoted to senior EVP/CFO. Spires has been with Partners for more than 30 years and most recently served as EVP/CFO. In her new role, she will lead the finance, accounting, operations and credit divisions for Partners.

Robert Thompson was promoted to EVP/COO. Thompson joined Partners in 2022 and most recently served as SVP/chief strategy officer. As COO, Robert will continue to lead marketing, communications and the enterprise strategic planning function, and will gain retail, experience, revenue and portfolio management.

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