CCUA, First Community Trust & Fox Communities CU Reveal People News

MIDWEST

The $2.8 billion, Appleton, Wis.-based Fox Communities Credit Union announced two promotions and two new hires.

Jose Villa was promoted to vice president of commercial lending. In his new role, Villa is responsible for originating, managing and supervising a portfolio of commercial loans with the overall objective of maintaining strong asset quality through underwriting and monitoring, and growth by developing new and existing business relationships. Villa joined Fox Communities in 2020 as a commercial lending officer and has since worked through multiple levels of growth. In 2023, he was named a Future15 Young Professional by Current Young Professionals and the Greater Green Bay Chamber, received a 40 Under 40 award by the NEW North and Insight Publications, and was named a Top 40 of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Latino Leaders by Madison 365. Villa also serves on the Board of Directors for the Green Bay Botanical Garden and is president of the Board for Casa ALBA Melanie in Green Bay, Wis.

Cathy Harvath was promoted into the newly-created role of executive director of the Fox Cares Foundation. In her new role, Harvath will champion the growth and development of the Foundation, bringing an enhanced strategy and community engagement focus. She most recently served as SVP of marketing for Fox Communities for the past 28 years. Harvath’s professional experience includes business development, community engagement and marketing.

Melanie Draheim was hired as chief marketing officer. In her new role, Draheim will serve on the Executive Leadership Team and focus on the credit union’s external presence and visibility, leading membership growth and strategy, brand, digital marketing and analytics to drive successful future initiatives. Her professional experience includes data driven growth marketing, strategic planning, execution of multichannel campaigns and customer-centric brand management. She previously served as vice president of marketing and communications at Network Health. Draheim was named a 2023 Insight on Business 40 Under 40 award recipient, is an American Marketing Association member and past Board member, and is a Leadership Fox Cities Graduate – Friend of Education award recipient.

Tommie Preslaski was hired as chief experience officer. In her new role, Preslaski serves on the Executive Leadership Team and will lead, develop and implement the strategic direction for the retail branch network, operations, call center and online banking areas across the credit union to cultivate strong relationships, create member value and enhance the member experience. Preslaski’s professional experience includes developing and executing strategic sales direction for key revenue generating initiatives within the financial industry. She previously served as director of retail sales management at Associated Bank, is an American Cancer Society Wisconsin Leadership Board member, a Young Professionals 2019 Future 15 award recipient, and a Golden House Women of Strength award recipient.

LEAGUES

The Cooperative Credit Union Association, which represents credit unions in Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, announced four promotions and one new hire.

Melissa Pomeroy, who previously served as the chief revenue officer at the CCUA, was promoted to EVP and COO. In her new role, she will oversee operational functions.

Dawn Roberts, formerly the controller, was promoted to vice president of finance and administration. In her new role, she will take charge of internal human resources matters, onboarding, recruitment and accounting.

Janelle Mullen, previously the director of marketing, was promoted to vice president of member engagement. In her new role, she will underscore the CCUA’s commitment to fostering stronger connections with its members.

Aimee Morin, formerly the business services project manager, was promoted to director of business operations and association services. In her new role, she will be streamlining internal operations and boosting the CCUA’s educational offerings.

David Olson was hired as SVP of strategic partnerships. He most recently served as chief business development officer at MemberClose.

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, announced four promotions.

Kathleen Donnelly was promoted to EVP, managing director. In her new role, Donnelly will continue her current duties in addition to overseeing and leading FCT’s Cedar Rapids, Iowa division, including business development, financial management and supervision of trust officers within the region. She joined FCT in 2001.

Jim Liddle was promoted to EVP, managing director – retail. Little, a Certified Public Accountant, joined FCT in 2012. In his new role, based in Dubuque, Iowa, he will oversee and lead FCT’s retail division, including business development, financial management, and supervision of trust officers and trust administrators.

Jenna Walleser was promoted to senior investment officer. Walleser, a Certified Public Accountant, joined FCT in 2022. In her new role, based in Dubuque, she will continue her current duties in investment and portfolio management in addition to assisting the chief investment officer with investment strategy. Walleser specializes in the research and analysis of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and portfolio construction. She started her career at a Big 4 accounting firm, specializing in the audits of investment companies, public mutual funds and alternative investments, and has previous experience in the areas of wealth management, investment advising, and retirement, tax and estate planning.

Matt Pillard was promoted to vice president, trust officer. In his new role, based in Dubuque, he will continue his current duties serving DuTrac Community Credit Union ($1 billion, Dubuque), helping members with retirement planning, retirement income strategies, risk-based investment management, and trust administration and estate planning. Matt will also provide support to FCT’s institutional division, administering employer sponsored retirement plans and other corporate accounts, including PEB and CDA accounts. Pillard joined FCT in 2020.

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