Westerra CU Hires CFO; 4 Other Credit Unions Announce New Roles

WEST

The $1.9 billion, Westminster, Calif.-based LBS Financial Credit Union announced one new hire and two promotions.

Tom Orman was hired as SVP/chief lending officer. Orman brings over 25 years of lending leadership experience and has served in credit union leadership roles related to strategic planning, business development, political advocacy and risk management. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. In his new role, he oversees the consumer lending, mortgage lending and collections teams.

Jeff Niedenthal, formerly SVP, member services, was promoted into the newly-created role of SVP/chief experience officer. In this position, Niedenthal is responsible for elevating LBS Financial’s service focus across member-facing areas in addition to electronic delivery channels and payment systems. He will also focus on strengthening service experiences for members and ensuring that the credit union’s products, services and delivery channels create a robust and compelling offering. Niedenthal will continue to oversee the member services, digital services, electronic services and account services departments. He has been with the credit union for over eight years.

Christine Bass, formerly vice president, branch operations, was promoted to SVP, member services. In her new role, she will serve as a member of the senior leadership team and be responsible for branch operations, the call center, investment services and compliance. Bass joined the credit union in 2016.

The $1.9 billion, Lakewood, Wash.-based Harborstone Credit Union hired Jimese Harkley as chief community engagement officer. In her new role, she will shape the organization’s community engagement strategies and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Harkley most recently served as vice president of membership for CUES and brings over 15 years of industry experience. She began her career as a teller for America’s First Federal Credit Union ($2.4 billion, Birmingham, Ala.) and progressed to serve as the credit union’s philanthropy and community relations manager. Harkley also previously served in various roles at Filene Research Institute. She holds a Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law.

The $2.1 billion, Denver-based Westerra Credit Union hired Daniel (DJ) Kutch as CFO. Kutch brings nearly 25 years of experience in the financial industry – 15 years working in credit unions and an additional nine years in public accounting. He recently served as CFO at the accounting firm Horne, LLP, as well as CFO for Keesler Federal Credit Union ($4 billion, Biloxi, Miss.) and Clearview Federal Credit Union ($2 billion, Moon Township, Pa.). In his new role, Kutch will provide strategic direction to the Executive Team and Board of Directors while supporting Westerra’s mission to positively impact lives through personal attention and financial education.

MIDWEST

Brian White, SVP/chief information officer for the $2.1 billion, Falcon Heights, Minn.-based Blaze Credit Union, served as a guest instructor at the Stetson-Hatcher School of Business at Mercer University in Macon, Ga., on April 18. White spoke to junior and senior business students in two Management Information Systems (MIS) classes, sharing his experiences using MIS to improve businesses’ competitive positions and provide high levels of customer service. In addition, he shared his experiences with the financial service industry’s best practices in cybersecurity and business continuity, along with the impact of artificial intelligence on the business world, particularly financial services providers. White has nearly three and a half decades of experience in IT, including the last 27 years in the financial services industry. In 2007, he joined the St. Paul, Minn.-based Hiway Credit Union as IT manager, systems and infrastructure. In 2013, White was promoted to chief information officer/SVP of information services and technology, and, upon Hiway’s merger with SPIRE Credit Union in January 2024, he was named SVP/chief information officer, overseeing the IT team for the newly-formed Blaze.

The $627 million, Sheboygan, Wis.-based Kohler Credit Union promoted Bethany Brusse to director of human resources. In her new role, Brusse will assume responsibility for overseeing recruitment, payroll, benefits and talent development for the credit union. Brusse joined Kohler in 2020 as HR manager. Prior to joining Kohler, she held various HR and finance roles for over 15 years. She currently serves as a volunteer on Lakeshore Technical College’s Human Resources Advisory Board, collaborating directly with faculty to provide insights on HR curriculum and focus areas.

SOUTH

Jason McPhee, assistant vice president of strategic partnerships and university relations for Aggieland Credit Union, a subsidiary of the $950 million, Austin-based Greater Texas Credit Union, received the Charles W. Plum Distinguished Service Award from the Texas A&M Memorial Student Center (MSC) Council. The award recognizes Texas A&M faculty members or non-student supporters who demonstrate dedication to the achievement of MSC goals and to the spirit of the MSC. Since joining Aggieland in 2021, McPhee has actively worked with students in the MSC, providing professional development and personal financial workshops to help them both individually and professionally. He also provides job opportunities to students, serves as a mentor, and has taken an active role in making the annual MLK Breakfast a larger part of the MSC community.

The $274 million, Bowling Green, Ky.-based Service One Credit Union announced seven promotions.

Brad Brown was promoted to SVP and COO.  Brown joined SOCU in 2012 and is a Credit Union Enterprise Risk Management Expert. He has been in the financial industry for 19 years. In his new role, Brown will have executive oversight of the loan portfolio, deposit operations, loan support, loan servicing and collections, and will continue to maintain strategic oversight over facilities.

Matthew Hutcheson was promoted to SVP of finance. Hutcheson has been with SOCU since 2010. In his new role, he will provide financial leadership for the credit union and continue to lead the finance department, elevating the direction for accounting and finance. He will also oversee all aspects of financial management and accounting, including asset and liability management, budgeting, forecasting, liquidity, investments and capital planning.

Michelle Dyer was promoted to SVP and chief experience officer. In her new role, Dyer, who joined SOCU in 2017, will focus on all aspects of member engagement, member experience, sales and service. She holds a masters’ degree in human resources and organizational development from the University of Louisville.

Elizabeth Lindsey was promoted to vice president of member experience. Lindsey joined SOCU in 2019 and is a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor. In her new role, she will take on the responsibility of overseeing the digital branch. She will also focus on refining the digital relationship sales process and further develop the digital branch to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for members across all touchpoints. She will also maintain her role as champion collaborating with the Member Advocacy Committee, ensuring members have a voice in their credit union and reinforcing commitment to member excellence.

Mindy Fabian was promoted to assistant vice president of loan support. Fabian has been in banking with a focus on lending for 22 years and joined SOCU in 2022. In her new role, she will lead the daily operations of the loan support, underwriting and mortgage lending departments, overseeing all aspects from origination to funding. She will also serve as the primary administrator for various loan origination software systems, ensuring their optimal functionality and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Nate Dalrymple was promoted to vice president of people and compliance. Dalrymple joined SOCU in 2023 and holds a master’s in public administration. He has over 10 years of experience in human resources and over five years in leadership roles in various industries. In his new role, he will continue to provide oversight of all people functions including HR, training, development and culture. In addition, he will provide oversight over compliance and audit. Dalrymple is also a SHRM-certified professional.

RaeAnn Holmes was promoted to assistant vice president of talent and development. Holmes holds a master’s of science in human development and leadership and joined SOCU in 2022. In her new role, she will continue to serve as key architect of the talent development strategy, collaborating closely with internal stakeholders to design and implement training programs that not only align with organizational goals but yield tangible, measurable outcomes. She will also take on the role of mentor and coach to many associates.

LEAGUES

The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) hired Leila Fong into the newly-created position of manager of engagement and events, effective May 6. Fong is currently a project coordinator at the Illinois Credit Union League, where she has been supporting Illinois credit unions since 2018. AACUL recently announced three evolved strategic pillars to support its updated mission and vision, and in her new role, Fong will be implementing the second strategic pillar, which focuses on supporting League staff through intentional collaboration and enhanced professional development opportunities.

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