10 Professionals Elevate Their CU Industry Careers

WEST

The $3.6 billion, Albuquerque, N.M.-based Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union hired Ken Rosen as vice president of real estate and facilities. In his new role, Rosen is responsible for developing and implementing SLFCU’s location growth strategy, including evaluation of new opportunities for delivering in-person financial services to people in underserved areas. He brings more than 20 years of experience helping large, multi-location companies grow by negotiating leases, and identifying and securing the right sites for new locations. He also brings extensive expertise in facilities management, maintenance, logistics and strategic development. Previously, Rosen was part of the management team for a large national flooring retailer for over 12 years, most recently leading its real estate division with responsibility for nearly 400 locations. Rosen earned a Juris Doctor degree from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Mo.

EAST

Joseph Tedesco, president/CEO for the $356 million, Oceanside, N.Y.-based Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union, was honored as part of Long Island Business News’ Business & Finance Awards Class of 2023 during a ceremony on Nov. 16. Tedesco has held the position of president/CEO at Ocean Financial for approximately five years. His previous professional financial experience includes serving as SVP and regional retail director for the Atlantic Region of KeyBank, followed by SVP and retail and small business bank director for East West Bank. In 2022, he was honored by Catholic Charities of Long Island at its annual golf outing. In addition, Tedesco currently serves on the board of trustees for Catholic Charities of Long Island. The Business & Finance Awards recognize banking professionals, accountants, financial advisors, controllers, CFOs and other financial professionals.

The $2.1 billion, Lowell, Mass.-based Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union hired Jarod Guay as assistant vice president of technology operations. Guay spent the last 15 years working for the State of N.H., DESC (911), most recently as technical support specialist VI. In his new role, Guay will be the primary technical resource responsible for information systems and process innovation. He will also be in charge of developing departmental baselines for performance, resource utilization and customer satisfaction. In addition, Guay will oversee the data center, support contracts and licensing compliance.

MIDWEST

The $405 million, Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Cornerstone Community Financial announced two new hires.

Robert Stier was hired as CFO. In his new role, Stier is responsible for oversight of all CCF budgets, financials and accounting functions, policies and procedures. He brings nearly a decade of experience in banking, financial analysis and management, having most recently served as vice president of finance at the $216 million Parda Credit Union in Auburn Hills, Mich. Stier’s resume also includes roles as a senior financial analyst for Henry Ford Health System and as a finance specialist at Credit Union One ($1.7 billion, Ferndale, Mich.). He earned an MBA from Walsh College of Accountancy and Business in Troy, Mich., and serves as treasurer of the board of directors for Troy Cooperative Preschool.

Gabrielle Champine was hired as vice president of brand and growth. In her new role, Champine is responsible for leading CCF’s brand, and marketing and advertising strategies and processes, with an emphasis on strengthening CCF’s connection to the communities it serves. Prior to joining CCF, Champine spent more than five years leading client teams as an agency account director, most recently for KORTX in Berkley, Mich., and prior to that at Brogan & Partners, now in Ferndale, Mich.

Jill Ettesvold, branch manager II for the $4.9 billion, Eau Claire, Wis.-based Royal Credit Union, received Royal’s 2023 Positive Impact Award. The Positive Impact Award is Royal’s highest team member recognition for a team member who has truly gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on Royal’s members, team members and communities. Ettesvold has been with Royal for 43 years. She has served as branch manager for both the Stillwater and St. Paul offices in Minnesota, and recently led her teams in the transition to the new locations for both offices within just a few months of each other.

SOUTH

The Tennessee Credit Union ($432 million, Nashville) hired Jason Redd as director/vice president of internal audit. Redd brings more than 30 years of financial services experience, having previously served in various roles including CFO, chief audit officer, chief information security officer, controller and director of internal audit. Most recently, he served as SVP/CFO for Jackson County Bank in Indiana. He is a Certified Public Accountant and also holds several accounting, auditing and information systems/information security professional certifications.

The $278 million, Bowling Green, Ky.-based Service One Credit Union promoted Jonathan Turner to director of wealth management. In his new role, Turner will continue to build relationships with members and potential members, offering products and services personalized to meet members’ needs for their financial success and security. In addition, he will continue his current role of managing the Scottsville branch in Scottsville, Ky. Turner has been with Service One since July 2022 and holds active Series 7 and 66 licenses. He has previous experience as a financial advisor and over 20 years of leadership experience.

CUSOS

Curql hired Rowan Hume as managing director specifically for a new program, Curql Accelerate powered by gener8tor. Hume brings over four years of experience running accelerator programs with gener8tor, a startup accelerator and investment fund. Curql Accelerate powered by gener8tor aims to close the gap between credit unions and fintech pioneers, offering startups building solutions ranging from member experience to transformative digital services access to tools and relationships across Curql’s credit union ecosystem. The inaugural Curql Accelerate powered by gener8tor program will be held in the spring and followed by a second program in the fall of 2024.

VENDORS

First Community Trust, N.A. (FCT), a Dubuque, Iowa-based nationally-chartered trust company offering trust, investment and retirement services primarily through credit unions, appointed Financial Plus Credit Union President/CEO Dave Cale to its nine-member board of directors. Cale brings more than 30 years of financial experience to the FCT board. Since 2009, Cale has served as CEO of the $199 million, West Des Moines, Iowa-based Financial Plus. Prior to becoming CEO, Cale served in various capacities including CFO and SVP of operations. He has been with Financial Plus since 1992. He serves on various financial-based boards including as chair of SHAZAM Network – ITS, Inc. board, as well as on the CUNA Payments Committee and Community Business Lenders. He was also the former chair and a member of the Iowa Credit Union League board.

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