Careers Advance at LAFCU, WEOKIE FCU, TFCU & NACUSO

WEST

Nathan Schmidt, EVP, chief experience officer and digital channels for the $13.4 billion, San Diego-based San Diego County Credit Union, was selected among the 2024 Men of Influence by San Diego Metro Magazine. Schmidt has over 25 years of financial services management and marketing experience, and is responsible for strategic planning, brand, marketing, digital channels, product development, business development, and community and media relations, as well as the overall customer experience, for SDCCU. In 2023, he received two Hermes Creative Awards, a Gold Stevie Award and a Gold DotCOMM Award. In 2022, Schmidt received a Gold Stevie Award and three Hermes Creative Awards, and was selected as one of SD Metro’s Best Marketing Executives. In 2021, he received a Bronze 2021 American Advertising San Diego Award, two Stevie Awards, two Hermes Creative Awards and two MarCom Awards. He holds an MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California.

EAST

Debbie Houser, digital banking program manager for the $8.2 billion, Harrisburg, Pa.-based PSECU, was selected to receive the YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s 2024 Tribute to Women of Excellence award. The award recognizes outstanding women in Pennsylvania’s Capital Region who devote time and energy to making the organizations and communities with which they’re affiliated better places to work and live. With PSECU since 2022, Houser leads the digital banking team as they leverage design-thinking methodology to create seamless experiences for both members and non-members.

MIDWEST

LAFCU ($1 billion, Lansing, Mich.) promoted Robyn Howell to EVP and COO. In her new role, Howell is responsible for overseeing and guiding LAFCU’s activities to fulfill the credit union’s goals as defined by the CEO and board of directors. Additionally, Howell ensures that LAFCU operates effectively while upholding its strong financial foundation. She joined LAFCU in 2017 as human resources manager, and was promoted in 2018 to vice president of human resources and in 2021 to chief human resources officer. Before joining LAFCU, Howell worked in human resources for an international Tier One supplier to Detroit automakers for 11 years. She earned the Certified Human Resource Specialist certification and from Michigan State University and is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Lansing, a Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce talent initiative designed to develop a new generation of community leaders. In addition, she holds board positions with the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing and Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Royal Credit Union ($5.1 billion, Eau Claire, Wis.) promoted Dionne Yochim to director of mortgage operations. In her new role, Yochim is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the activities of the mortgage processing, closing, underwriting and mortgage technology departments to support organizational objectives and goals. She will also continue to play a crucial role in the core implementation team for a new loan origination system within the mortgage department at Royal. Since 2019, Yochim has held the role of mortgage operations manager at Lake Area Mortgage – a Division of Royal Credit Union.

Marie “Sam” Shanks, president/CEO for the $130 million, Terre Haute, Ind.-based Indiana State University Federal Credit Union, announced her plan to retire in the fall of 2024. Shanks joined Indiana State University FCU’s staff as a student-employee in 1982, establishing professional roots spanning more than 40 years. She worked her way up the organization’s ranks, serving as EVP before becoming CEO. In 2021, she was selected as president/CEO upon the retirement of the previous CEO, Trent Kerr. She is a CUNA Management School graduate and an inaugural member of the Innovations for Indiana Credit Unions (Ignite) initiative through the Indiana Credit Union League. In addition, Shanks serves as the chair of the Indiana State University Foundation board and has held other board and leadership roles over the years.

SOUTH

The $5.9 billion, Oklahoma City, Okla.-based Tinker Federal Credit Union hired Daniel Williams as vice president and controller of accounting. In his new role, Williams will oversee regulatory compliance, annual audits, budget management, asset liability management decisions and facilitation of software changes, all geared toward enhancing TFCU’s financial stability and ensuring its continued strength as a trusted financial partner for its members. He brings 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, having most recently served as vice president of finance for another financial institution. Over the years, Williams has held various positions, starting in financial services as a teller and later becoming an auditor and controller. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

The $1.5 billion, Oklahoma City-based WEOKIE Federal Credit Union promoted Kelly Baustert from vice president of information technology to chief technology officer. Baustert has been with WEOKIE for over 24 years and has expertise in IT, infrastructure management, systems security and software solutions. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading technology strategy, overseeing its implementation, and ensuring it aligns with the credit union’s overall goals and objectives.

TRADES

NACUSO announced two promotions.

Amanda Reed was promoted to head of collaboration. In new role, Reed will leverage her extensive experience and expertise to foster meaningful partnerships and create educational experiences within the credit union industry. She joined NACUSO in 2021, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Shawna Luna was promoted to head of sustainability. In her new role, Luna will drive initiatives to ensure the long-term viability and resilience of credit unions, CUSOs, fintechs and vendors in an ever-changing landscape. She joined NACUSO in 1996 and most recently served as director of operations, according to her LinkedIn profile.

VENDORS

Filene Research Institute in Madison, Wis., announced three board appointments during its January board meeting.

April Clobes, president/CEO for the $7.6 billion, Lansing, Mich.-based Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, was appointed chair of the board of directors.

Ty Muse, president/CEO for the $5.6 billion, Endwell, N.Y.-based Visions Federal Credit Union, will serve as vice chair.

Kevin Johnson, president/CEO for the $17.4 billion, Tampa, Fla.-based Suncoast Credit Union, will serve as treasurer.

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