New Hires & Promotions Revealed at 6 CUs, Your Credit Union Partner

WEST

The $2.1 billion, Denver-based Westerra Credit Union hired Jennifer Kriske as a mortgage loan officer. Kriske brings over 15 years of experience representing mortgage corporations, and originating/underwriting residential mortgage and home equity loans. She has also worked in the capacity of underwriting and as a financial auditor for very complex modifications.

The $5.4 billion, Richland, Wash.-based Gesa Credit Union hired Kurt Johnson as CFO. Johnson has worked in the financial services industry for 28 years, having most recently served nine years at the $3.2 billion, Mount Pleasant, Wis.-based Educators Credit Union in CFO and chief risk officer roles. Before that, he served as CFO for Heartland Credit Union ($610 million, Madison, Wis.) and 15 years as a public accountant at Wipfli, where he worked extensively with credit unions in the Midwest. He previously served on the Finance Committee of the Ronald McDonald House.

EAST

The $242 million, Jay, Maine-based OTIS Federal Credit Union announced two promotions within its teller department.

Emma Blaisdell was promoted from assistant teller supervisor to teller supervisor. Blaisdell joined OTIS in 2022.

Trent Keene was promoted from a teller position to assistant teller supervisor within his first two years at OTIS.

Barb Bowker, chief member experience officer for the $8.2 billion, Harrisburg, Pa.-based PSECU, will retire on May 3, 2024 after 37 years of service at the credit union. Starting her career at PSECU in 1987, Bowker has held many roles, beginning as a communications specialist before advancing to vice president of marketing and eventually to chief member experience officer, a position she has held for the past three years.

She has been recognized as one of PA Business Central’s Women in Business, as well as one of its Top 100 People in 2023 and 2024; a YWCA of Greater Harrisburg Woman of Excellence; and with a spot on City & State’s Impact 50 in 2022. Bowker has served as chair of the Capital Region Board of Directors for the American Heart & Stroke Association, chair of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Foundation, and chair of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber as well as a long-standing board member. She also served as a board member for the PA Chamber of Business & Industry, the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County, the Shippensburg University Alumni Association and the IT Board of Advisors for Harrisburg University. She also served as the winter 2018 commencement speaker at Shippensburg University.

Francis Pudner, chief risk officer and general counsel for PSECU, will assume the chief member experience officer role for the interim as the credit union conducts a comprehensive executive search to find a successor.

MIDWEST

The $441 million, Williston, N.D.-based Western Cooperative Credit Union hired James Moe as CFO. He began his role in February 2024. Moe most recently served as a regional lab director for CommonSpirit Health. In his new role, Moe will oversee finances and accounting, security and investments for the credit union.

The $5.1 billion Royal Credit Union in Eau Claire, Wis., promoted Paul Wilcox to director of mortgage sales. In his new role, Wilcox will be responsible for strategic oversight, efficiencies and growth at Royal and Lake Area Mortgage-A Division of Royal Credit Union, ensuring all aspects of the mortgage origination process – from application to closing – are handled in a timely and efficient manner. He will also guide the restructure of Royal’s mortgage teams to foster continued collaboration among the teams while enhancing the unique strengths of each business model. Wilcox has over 24 years of experience in the mortgage industry, having most recently served as director of Lake Area Mortgage-A Division of Royal Credit Union.

SOUTH

The $384 million, Winston Salem, N.C.-based Piedmont Advantage Credit Union announced one new hire and one promotion.

Charles Skara was hired as CFO. Skara brings more than 15 years of experience in banking and manufacturing, having previously held several senior roles, including vice president and controller, for financial institutions. He also brings expertise in financial analysis, forecasting and reporting.

Sandy Milton was promoted to COO. Milton has 40 years of experience in the credit union industry, with a focus on operations management. She has been with Piedmont Advantage for more than 11 years and most recently served as SVP of service strategy, in which she was responsible for overseeing the branch network, call center, eCommerce, business intelligence, administrative support and facilities.

Miles Strickland, SVP/CFO for the $1.1 billion, Tampa, Fla.-based USF Federal Credit Union, was named one of Tampa Bay Business Journal’s CFO of the Year Honorees. The CFO of the Year awards recognize the top financial executives who help grow their companies and are active in the Tampa Bay economy. Strickland has served as SVP/CFO for USF FCU for the last 12 years. Throughout his tenure he has managed and optimized the organization’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and providing strategic guidance on budgeting, forecasting and financial planning. Additionally, Strickland has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of transparency and integrity within USF FCU.

VENDORS

The Sumner, Wash.-based Your Credit Union Partner, an advisor to over 200 credit unions throughout the U.S. and Great Britain, announced two new hires.

Tom Sakash was hired as a strategic consulting officer. Sakash previously led the Small Credit Union Committee at America’s Credit Unions, with a focus on advocacy, strategy and training. He also led executive communications at America’s Credit Unions in a previous role.

Sue Schroeder was hired as a strategic consulting officer. Schroeder previously served as a strategy and growth executive at Nestle, Avery Dennison and Experian, where she built the credit bureau’s first-ever credit union go-to-market and CDFI strategy. She also brings experience building annual business plans, growth strategies, and new products and initiatives at multiple global companies. She holds a master’s degree in corporate strategy and marketing from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and a certificate from the Chicago Booth School of Business Strategic Growth Institute.

In their new roles, Schroeder and Sakash will partner with credit union CEOs and executive teams across all asset sizes to help advance their long-term goals and community impact through Your Credit Union Partner’s suite of services.

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