10 Credit Unions Nationwide Announce Career Moves

WEST

First Tech Federal Credit Union ($16.9 billion, San Jose, Calif.), hired Kalyan Rajamani as chief technology officer. In his new role, he will utilize his background in building high-performing teams while designing and delivering innovative, relevant and secure technology solutions that enrich the lives of discriminating members. Rajamani brings over 20 years of expertise in developing innovative products, software engineering, information security and analytics. He previously served as chief technology officer for Nielsen Company, Dynata and PCR Financial, and has been recognized with the Arthur C. Nielsen Award for outstanding leadership.

EAST

The $261 million, Madawaska, Maine-based NorState Federal Credit Union hired Cara Greenwood as a commercial loan officer. Greenwood brings over 20 years of experience in the banking industry, having previously held positions at MBNA/Bank of America, TD Bank, Kennebec Savings Bank, and most recently, Camden National Bank as branch manager II. In her new role, she will be responsible for growing relationships and working closely with local businesses, mainly in Maine’s Central Aroostook area.

The $1.8 billion, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.-based Hanscom Federal Credit Union hired Kathleen Murphy as SVP of branch banking. Murphy brings over 15 years of banking experience, including expertise in strategic marketing initiatives, branch banking, team leadership, budget management, strategic planning, CRM/data analytics, market research and targeted campaigns. In her new role, she will lead the strategic and operational plans for Hanscom’s branch network, focusing on executing organizational strategies to achieve goals, particularly in driving membership growth, deposit growth and loan growth. She holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Tower Federal Credit Union ($4.7 billion, Laurel, Md.) hired Susan Ralston as COO. Ralston brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the banking and financial industry, having most recently served as EVP and COO for Old Point National Bank. She also previously served as COO/SVP for the Virginia Division of Dollar Bank, and as president/CEO for Bank @lantec prior to its acquisition by Dollar Bank. In her new role, she will oversee Tower’s deposit operations, debit card operations, fraud, Bank Secrecy Act compliance, business continuity, and facilities and administrative services department teams. Ralston received a 2023 Women in Leadership award from Virginia Business Magazine, Washington and Jefferson College’s Cleveland Waltersdorf Award for Innovative Leadership, and a Women in Business Achievement Award from Inside Business. She holds an MBA from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., a professional coaching certification from Duquesne University’s Palumbo-Donahue School of Business in Pittsburgh, and an associate certified coach credential from the International Coaching Federation.

The $222 million, Germantown, Md.-based SkyPoint Federal Credit Union hired Cassandre Cassamajor as business and community development director. In her new role, Cassamajor will leverage and drive greater awareness for SkyPoint’s CDFI designation to build on productive relationships with key community influencers and private/public partners involved in meeting community development, as well as with those that serve the needs of the underserved communities. Additionally, Cassamajor will develop and implement programs that promote financial wellness and access to credit and savings to underserved communities. Cassamajor previously served as a personal banker and service manager, and brings over 10 years of experience in tailoring products and services to meet clients’ financial needs with a focus on financial literacy.

MIDWEST

The $2.9 billion, Appleton, Wis.-based Fox Communities Credit Union announced one new hire and one promotion.

Carlos Hernandez was hired as compliance attorney/officer. In his new role, Hernandez administers and enhances the credit union’s Regulatory Compliance Management Program, including assisting the business lines and operations areas with meeting their regulatory compliance obligations. He previously served as compliance officer/general counsel at PCM Credit Union ($456 million, Green Bay, Wis.). Hernandez holds a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wis.

Krista Draheim was promoted to SVP of strategic planning and delivery. In her new role, Draheim will continue to oversee the execution of Fox’s strategic plan and maximize organizational effectiveness to align strategic initiatives with the Fox mission and vision. She previously worked in various positions within the financial services industry including Associated Bank, Johnson Bank and Thrivent Financial before joining Fox as vice president of strategic planning and delivery in 2022. Draheim holds a master’s in organizational leadership/servant leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. She also holds the following certifications: Professional Project Manager from the Project Management Institute; Certified Scrum Product Owner from the Scrum Alliance; Certified Change Practitioner from PROSCI; and Diversity and Inclusion Trainer from the Kaleidoscope Group.

The $873 million Financial Center in Indianapolis, Ind., hired Laura Birkenbeul as vice president of talent development and training, a new position within its Employee Operations Team. In her new role, she will support the credit union’s ongoing commitment to building a vibrant organizational culture, focused on continuous learning and development. Birkenbeul most recently served as director of organizational development and communications for the Indiana Department of Revenue, and brings experience in talent development, training and digital operations.

The $7.5 billion, Waterloo, Iowa-based Veridian Credit Union hired Mitch Kasten as manager of indirect lending. Kasten brings over 15 years of consumer lending experience, having most recently served as vice president regional sales manager for Wells Fargo Auto.

The $13.9 billion, Caledonia, Mich.-based Lake Michigan Credit Union announced one retirement and one promotion.

Don Bratt, chief marketing officer and SVP, retired on June 14 after nearly 14 years of service to the credit union. Bratt joined LMCU in 2010, having previously served at Chemical Bank (now part of Huntington Bank). Among his accomplishments, he spearheaded the development of a media production team responsible for LMCU’s TV commercials and video communications, as well as led the Community Relations team and Community Advisory Board. His marketing career spanned a total of 43 years.

Christi Cowdin was promoted to chief marketing officer. Cowdin joined LMCU in 2019 and most recently served as vice president of marketing. She has over 25 years of experience in marketing, public relations and corporate communications, having previously served in numerous marketing, communication and investor relations roles at companies such as Wolverine World Wide, Inc., Lambert and Horizon Global.

SOUTH

The $2.9 billion Addition Financial Credit Union in Lake Mary, Fla., promoted Betsy Thompson to director of commercial lending and business services. In her new role, Thompson will oversee the credit union’s commercial lending production, as well as manage the servicing of business member accounts. She began her career in the financial industry in 2010 and joined Addition Financial in 2023 as a commercial loan administration manager, bringing a background in commercial loan operations, business development and technology innovation. She previously managed and oversaw complex commercial loans while serving in roles at Cogent Bank and Truist.

CUSOS

The Washington, D.C.-based O2 Consulting Group announced three new hires.

Kathy Sonnenfeld was hired as a senior project manager. Sonnenfeld has worked in financial services and research for more than 20 years, including positions at WesBanco as the assistant vice president of treasury management and operations, and at the American Institutes for Research as a principal researcher and project manager.

Lisa Akers was hired as a senior project manager. Akers brings 30 years of experience in various departments and levels within HAR-CO Credit Union ($255 million, Bel Air, Md.), where she was responsible for all functions and staff within the loan servicing department, member services branches and operations.

Mary Moore Cavanagh was hired as a senior project manager. Cavanagh joined O2 from the technology CUSO Trellance, where she served as a senior partner process manager. Prior to joining the credit union space, she worked in sales in the UCaaS, CCaaS and SaaS space, and as a project manager in the automotive engineering industry.

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