Careers Advance at AmeriCU, WCCU, Robins Financial & Greater Texas

EAST

The $2.7 billion AmeriCU in Rome, N.Y., promoted Daniel Belfield to vice president general counsel. Belfield has extensive experience in both private practice and corporate settings, and as the first attorney to serve as in-house counsel to AmeriCU, he spent the past few years building a legal department from the ground up. In his new role, Belfield and his team will continue to maintain effective identification of regulatory and compliance risks. He was recently appointed to the NYCUA Government Affairs Committee, which advises the NYCUA on legislative issues at the state and federal level, as well as emerging compliance trends.

MIDWEST

Toni Downing, vice president and CFO for the $180 million, Burns Harbor, Ind.-based Allegius Credit Union, was named as a finalist in the Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards hosted by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association. This recognition celebrates her exceptional contributions to the community and professional achievements in the finance sector. She is one of 25 finalists in the Finance category. Since joining the credit union in January 2023, Downing has played a key role in the growth of the institution’s asset program and managing the essential functions of the accounting department to ensure compliance with state and federal auditing requirements. Downing also serves on the Board of the Porter County Parks and Recreation Department and is a member of the Chesterton Branding Leadership Committee.

The $450 million, Williston, N.D.-based Western Cooperative Credit Union promoted Amaya Kastner to the newly-created position of vice president of operations. In her new role, Kastner will enhance member service, ensure operational efficiency, ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements of the organization through effective programs and policies, and assist the overall management of WCCU. She will also lead efforts to achieve operational excellence and support strategic growth initiatives. Kastner has been with WCCU for 17 years, during which time she has served in various departments including member service, compliance and accounting. She holds a certification in BSA.

SOUTH

Debbie Smith, president/CEO for the $2.2 billion, Duluth, Ga.-based Georgia United Credit Union, received the Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award at the 47th Annual CU Leadership Convention, held recently in Las Vegas. The award celebrates leaders who create impactful programs, embody perseverance, champion the “people helping people” ethos and drive innovative ideas. It is named after AACUC President/CEO Renee Sattiewhite.

The $4.5 billion, Warner Robins, Ga.-based Robins Financial Credit Union promoted John Flanders to vice president of delivery channels. In his new role, Flanders will provide a comprehensive approach to serving the members of the credit union, ensuring exceptional service and innovative solutions. Flanders has more than two decades of experience in the financial industry, which he got his start in while working part-time as a senior in high school.

The $942 million, Austin, Texas-based Greater Texas Credit Union promoted Christina Gonzales to branch manager of its Kyle, Texas office. Gonzales began her career with Greater Texas in 2010 as a member contact service representative working out of the credit union’s Austin Airport location. She has worked in a variety of capacities in the credit union, earning several promotions before ascending to branch manager. She has worked in the Kyle branch since 2015. Besides looking after members’ needs in her new role, Gonzales will be responsible for creating and establishing community relationships, and initiating programs and projects where her team can serve and support the community as part of the credit union’s Greater Good initiative. She is also fluent in Spanish.

VENDORS

Baker Hill, a Carmel, Ind.-based provider of loan origination and risk management solutions for banks and credit unions, named Andy Ivankovich CEO. Ivankovich is an experienced fintech executive and entrepreneur who brings over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. Following Fiserv’s acquisition of iLendx, a company he founded while pioneering cloud-native lending origination products, he oversaw Fiserv’s lending and deposit software products and services division. Before his software career, he was a banker and managed a $14 billion lending portfolio as a product executive with USAA, where he also developed and is a named inventor on USAA’s lending technology patents. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

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