3 Credit Unions, MnCUN Hire, Promote & Honor

MIDWEST

The $5.2 billion, Eau Claire, Wis.-based Royal Credit Union hired Samantha Bernadot as member service supervisor. In her new role, Bernadot is responsible for leading and developing the call center Member Service team, as well as working with staff to exceed member expectations. Bernadot brings 10 years of banking experience, having begun her career behind the teller line and working her way up to a training and supervisor position.

SOUTH

The $4.7 billion, Orlando, Fla.-based FAIRWINDS Credit Union announced three promotions.

Michael Barrett was promoted to SVP, finance. In his new role, he oversees FAIRWINDS’ financial management, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, treasury and risk management. Barrett has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. He joined FAIRWINDS in 2007 and held several positions in retail banking before moving to accounting in 2014. He most recently served as vice president of financial operations and accounting.

Jonathan Russell was promoted to vice president, retail and small business lending. In his new role, he is responsible for all primary functions of FAIRWINDS’ consumer, mortgage and small business portfolios. Serving FAIRWINDS members since 2001, Russell’s experience includes overseeing deposit and loan production for 12 branch locations in Central Florida, followed by his promotion to vice president, business services in 2009. He is a graduate of the CBA Executive Bank School at Furman University in Greenville, S.C.

Penny DiNatale was promoted to regional vice president, branch services. In her new role, she oversees retail and small business deposit and loan production for 11 Lake County and West Orlando branch locations. DiNatale has over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, including retail and mortgage origination. She holds a Florida 2-15 life, health and variable annuities license, and is a licensed mortgage originator.

The $304 million, Nashville, Tenn.-based US Community Credit Union announced two promotions.

Kameran Laux was promoted to CFO. Laux has been with US Community for 10 years and has served in many roles within accounting, finance, and data and analytics. She earned her Certified Credit Union Investments Professional designation in 2022 and was promoted from senior assistant vice president of finance to chief growth officer in July 2023. Laux also actively participates in the credit union’s Community Involvement Committee and serves as treasurer for the GWLN Tennessee Sister Society. In addition, she is an America’s Credit Unions (formerly CUNA) Finance Council member.

J.R. Jernigan was promoted to COO. Jernigan has worked at US Community for 17 years and began his career as a teller. He quickly moved into the marketing department, where he spent 12 years leading the establishment of two student-run high school branches and the Credit Unions for Kids Golf Classic. In 2020, Jernigan made the transition to Special Projects where he oversaw the Information Technology and Quality Control departments. He will graduate from CUNA Management School later in 2024.

Darrin Lons, foreclosure officer for the $2.3 billion, Winston Salem, N.C.-based Allegacy Federal Credit Union, was awarded Financial Pathways of the Piedmont’s Financial Health First Responder Award at its annual luncheon on April 16. The event recognized eight individuals who have gone above and beyond to help others improve their financial health and overall well-being. Lons was selected as a finalist for this year’s award based on his hands-on approach to helping members. Lons has served as Allegacy’s foreclosure officer for 15 years and held numerous roles throughout his career including insurance agent, mortgage loan underwriter and financial advisor.

LEAGUES

The Minnesota Credit Union Network honored two professionals at a ceremony held during the MnCUN ACCELERATE 24 Conference on April 19 at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minn.

Brian Volkmann, CFO and EVP for Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union ($4.2 billion, St. Paul, Minn.), received the Outstanding Credit Union Professional of the Year Award. This award is given to a remarkable person who truly stands behind the “people helping people” credit union philosophy. Volkmann has been in his current role since 2016 and was instrumental in the financial and operational turnaround of the organization. He also championed the elimination of nonsufficient fund fees and radically restructured courtesy fees and overdraft guardrails, using data to identify how to help the members who need it most.

Lou Bruno, board chair for City & County Credit Union ($1.2 billion, St. Paul), received the Outstanding Director of the Year Award. This award is given to a credit union board member who best represents the credit union spirit through dedication to, and belief in, the credit union movement. Bruno has been a board member for City & County since 2014, has served as chair since 2016 and has played a vital role in City & County’s growth and advancements within his time on the Board of Directors.

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