Luminate Recognizes 13 CU Professionals in New Orleans

WEST

The $5.5 billion, Richland, Wash.-based Gesa Credit Union hired Lance Johnson as vice president of internal audit. Johnson brings more than 34 years of experience in financial oversight and risk management. In his new role, he will lead the internal audit team, guide audit processes and develop comprehensive audit plans that align with Gesa's strategic goals. To ensure effective risk mitigation across the credit union, he will conduct annual risk assessments and collaborate with external audit firms for timely, accurate reviews of critical risk areas. Johnson will also provide independent evaluations of internal controls, educate leadership on risk management and contribute to new initiatives while upholding best audit practices. Before joining Gesa, Johnson spent his three-decade-long career in industries including multinational high- and low-tech manufacturing, wholesale and retail, higher education, logistics and supply chain, payment systems and financial services. He earned a Master of Science in International Management Studies from the University of Texas.

MIDWEST

The $2.3 billion, Kalamazoo, Mich.-based Consumers Credit Union announced two new hires.

Rossi Fifelski was hired as an office manager for the Plainfield, Mich., office. Fifelski started her banking career as a teller and moved up the ranks to her most recent position as an office manager.

Kate Batchelder was hired as an office manager for the Cascade, Mich., office. Batchelder is a 21-year veteran of the financial industry. She has held roles at all levels over her tenure from teller to relationship manager, including 13 years in management positions. She also serves on the City of Grandville Parks and Recreation board as treasurer.

LEAGUES

Luminate (formerly the Louisiana Credit Union League) recognized 13 professionals at its first-ever Luminate Awards Ceremony on July 25 during the Luminate Conference in New Orleans.

From left to right: Luminate Director of Impact & Foundation Lynette Hazelton, CSE FCU Marketing Supervisor Morgan Algero, InStep FCU Marketing Officer Kara Hornosky, Neighbors FCU Retail Trainer/Support Specialist Shaynell Jacobs and Luminate President/CEO Juan Fernandez.

Kara Hornosky, marketing officer at Instep Federal Credit Union ($49.3 million, New Orleans) and vice president of Luminate's East Orleans Chapter, received the Emerging Leader Award. Hornosky led a significant rebrand, managed major conversion projects and improved internal processes at Instep. She was selected from three finalists, and as the overall winner she will receive a full scholarship to the America's Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference.

From left to right: Luminate Director of Impact & Foundation Lynette Hazelton; Instep FCU Marketing Officer Kara Hornosky and Luminate President/CEO Juan Fernandez.

Lee Melancon with Ascension Credit Union ($104 million, Gonzales, La.) received the Path to Progress Award. Melancon is founder and executive director of the Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension (MBECA) and has been a champion for DEI initiatives since 2003, offering crucial support to underserved communities through various empowerment programs.

From left to right: Ascension CU Community Development Officer Lee Melancon and Luminate President/CEO Juan Fernandez.

The following individuals were inducted into the Luminate Hall of Fame:

Peggy Aime with Ascension CU.

LeRoy Bourque with Ascension CU.

Bonita "Bonnie" Brown with La Capitol Federal Credit Union ($764 million, Baton Rouge, La.).

Mary Ginn with La Capitol FCU.

Rhonda Hotard with Louisiana Federal Credit Union ($409 million, La Place, La.).

Patricia "Pat" Landry with La Capitol FCU.

Louis "Bo" Leporati with Monroe Telco Federal Credit Union ($50 million, West Monroe, La.).

Laura Melancon with Southwest Louisiana Credit Union ($176 million, Lake Charles, La.).

Joel Meredith with Ascension CU.

John Oubre with Ascension CU.

James "Jimmy" Thibodeaux with La Capitol FCU.

Please send your People news items to Natasha Chilingerian at [email protected]

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Natasha Chilingerian has been immersed in the credit union industry for over a decade. She first joined CU Times in 2011 as a freelance writer, and following a two-year hiatus from 2013-2015, during which time she served as a communications specialist for Xceed Financial Credit Union (now Kinecta Federal Credit Union), she re-joined the CU Times team full-time as managing editor. She was promoted to executive editor in 2019. In the earlier days of her career, Chilingerian focused on news and lifestyle journalism, serving as a writer and editor for numerous regional publications in Oregon, Louisiana, South Carolina and the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, she holds experience in marketing copywriting for companies in the finance and technology space. At CU Times, she covers People and Community news, cybersecurity, fintech partnerships, marketing, workplace culture, leadership, DEI, branch strategies, digital banking and more. She currently works remotely and splits her time between Southern California and Portland, Ore.