Jim Wookey Named Next President/CEO of WESTconsin Credit Union
He will succeed Lora Benrud, who plans to retire in September after 40 years of service.
Jim Wookey will become the next president/CEO of the $1.9 billion WESTconsin Credit Union of Menomonie, Wis., in September.
He will succeed Lora Benrud, who plans to retire after 40 years of service. Starting at WESTconsin as a part-time teller in 1984, Benrud has worked in several positions, including vice president of human resources and member services and CFO. She was appointed CEO in August 2014.
During her CEO tenure, the credit union increased assets from $902 million to its current assets of $1.9 billion, while loans grew from $733 million to $1.3 billion and membership expanded from 75,319 to more than 120,000, according to NCUA Call Reports.
“I am both excited and grateful to retire from such a wonderful organization full of caring and engaged employees and Board members. Looking back, I never would have imagined after graduating from college that I would find a lifelong career with a company I hold dear to my heart,” Benrud said in a prepared statement. “I am proud of how our credit union has helped our members and communities and have great confidence in the bright future that is ahead for WESTconsin under Jim’s leadership. It has been an honor to be a part of the remarkable credit union industry.”
Wookey began his WESTconsin career in 1994 as a consumer and mortgage loan officer. He then served as an office manager and vice president of two branches before being named COO in 2011.
“Having been a part of WESTconsin for 30 years, I have witnessed the strength of our mission of empowering members and communities with the resources to achieve financial wellness, and I am honored to continue that as CEO,” Wookey said in a prepared statement. “I am grateful to the board of directors and my fellow leadership team for the trust placed in me, and I look forward to leading our dedicated team of employees and continuing to support the 85-year legacy we’ve built for our members.”
WESTconsin’s 428 employees operate 19 locations across Northwestern Wisconsin.