Professionals Climb the Career Ladder at PSCU/Co-op Solutions & 5 CUs

WEST

Sterling Nielsen, president/CEO for the $18.4 billion, Sandy, Utah-based Mountain America Credit Union, was recognized by Utah Business Magazine as one of Utah’s 2024 CEOs of the Year during an award ceremony on March 21. Nielsen was recognized for his outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence within the financial sector.

Ed Gravley, CEO of the $934 million, Palmer, Alaska-based Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, announced his plan to retire in the first quarter of 2025. Gravley began his tenure at MVFCU as a data processing manager in 1985. Throughout his years with the credit union, he has worked as an information systems manager, systems and projects manager, organizational support manager, operations manager and COO. He was appointed CEO in 2018.

EAST

The $7 billion, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based Hudson Valley Credit Union announced four new hires.

Annette Gabriel was hired as SVP/head of human resources. Gabriel brings more than 20 years of experience in business transformation, HR management, mergers and acquisitions, policy implementation, leadership development and strategic planning. Most recently, she served as vice president, people business partner and talent acquisition leader for Connecticut’s GeneDx Holdings Corp. Prior to joining GeneDx Holdings Corp., she spent 15 years with PepsiCo, Inc.

Johanna Robbins was hired as SVP/deputy CFO. Robbins brings more than 30 years of experience in accounting/finance, leadership management and growth strategy. She began her credit union career with the former Capital Communications Federal Credit Union in Albany, N.Y., where she spent over 20 years, eventually becoming SVP of financial and business analytics. Most recently, she served as CFO for Sunmark Credit Union ($1.1 billion, Latham, N.Y.).

Joseph Oliva was hired as vice president/director of card processing operations. Oliva most recently served as managing director/product owner for digital banking at Webster Bank.

Cynthia (Cindy) Minuti was hired as assistant vice president/program manager. Minuti most recently served as chief customer officer at Ballston Spa National Bank in New York’s Capital Region.

The $1.4 billion, Charlottesville, Va.-based UVA Community Credit Union promoted Carolyn Burnett to vice president of business banking. Burnett joined the credit union in November 2022, and during her tenure, she spearheaded the creation of the credit union’s Elevate Small Business initiative. In her new role, Burnett will continue to champion strategic initiatives, providing support and resources for small business loans while delivering tailored commercial banking solutions to business members. She has over 17 years of experience as a commercial relationship manager, including a decade serving the Charlottesville area. Burnett serves on the board of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Community Investment Collaborative loan committee, and previously served on the board of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence for more than six years.

MIDWEST

April Clobes, president/CEO for the $7.6 billion, Lansing, Mich.-based MSU Federal Credit Union, was honored on March 22 as one of 10 recipients of the 2023 Crain’s Detroit Business Newsmakers of the Year during a luncheon ceremony at the MGM Grand Detroit. Recipients were selected for their influence on moving the metro Detroit region and state forward during the year. Clobes joined the credit union in 1996 as a marketing specialist and moved through several positions in the organization before being named president/CEO in 2015. She also serves as CEO of Reseda Group, MSUFCU’s wholly-owned CUSO. She holds a master’s of arts degree from Michigan State University in advertising and an MBA from Western Michigan University. She was previously named one of the Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions by American Banker.

SOUTH

The $1.1 billion, Tampa, Fla.-based USF Federal Credit Union hired Juli Lewis as vice president of community engagement. Lewis brings more than 25 years of experience in the credit union industry. She previously served at Suncoast Credit Union ($17.4 billion, Tampa), followed by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions, where she served as director of the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation. In her new role, she will be involved in advocacy, business development, strategic partnerships and DEI initiatives. She also holds numerous designations and certifications, including Credit Union Development Educator, Certified Credit Union Financial Planner, Maser Practitioner in Financial Capability and Certified Credit Union Executive.

The $2.9 billion, Tampa, Fla.-based GTE Financial announced two promotions and one new hire.

Saidy Barredo was promoted to assistant vice president of business banking operations and title. Barredo has nearly 10 years of experience in the financial industry. She joined GTE Financial in 2020 as a business banking processor and closer, and quickly worked her way up to manager of business banking operations. In her new role, she will oversee the title department while continuing to oversee business banking operations.

Chris Grunsten was promoted to assistant vice president of fraud operations and risk analytics. Grunsten has nearly six years of experience with the credit union establishing and developing the card fraud team, and over 15 years of experience in the industry. In his new role, he will lead efforts to centralize fraud operations, drive efficiencies and further enhance member experiences.

Jamie Miranda was hired as vice president of administration. Miranda brings extensive experience in creating and implementing strategies, increasing profitability and driving change on a global scale. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading GTE’s vision and management of facilities and facilities project management, corporate real estate, purchasing and contracting, mailroom functions and more.

Educational Federal Credit Union ($1.6 billion, Miami, Fla.) hired John Sapp as EVP. In his new role, Sapp will oversee various functions, including retail delivery, finance, lending, marketing, information technology and operations. He will also be a key driver of collaboration and effective communication amongst all team members and functional areas of EdFed. Sapp holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and brings experience in all aspects of financial institutions, including lending, deposit and balance sheet management, marketing, information technology, budgeting and P&L ownership, business intelligence and operations.

CUSOS

PSCU/Co-op Solutions in St. Petersburg, Fla., announced two promotions.

Vel Davidov was promoted to EVP, CFO. Davidov has more than 27 years of experience in the financial services industry. Since joining PSCU in 2002, he has played a key role in developing the financial planning, analysis and proposal support groups, in addition to leading the company’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) function. In his new role, Davidov will lead PSCU/Co-op Solutions’ financial planning and analysis, M&A, treasury, accounting, tax and settlement operations. He holds an MBA from the University of South Florida.

Michael Summers was promoted to EVP, chief culture officer. In his new position, Summers will play a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining the combined organization’s culture to support employees alongside the company’s key initiatives and core business strategy. He will oversee the company’s learning and organizational development, facilities and real estate, industry engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion teams. Summers most recently served as SVP, learning and environment, a role he began in March 2021. He joined PSCU in 2001 and has progressed through roles of increasing scope, leadership and responsibility across several business units, including knowledge management, implementations, learning and organizational development, and environment and office services. He is a certified Credit Union Development Educator.

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