BECU, LAFCU, SRP FCU & Texans CU Highlight New Talent

WEST

The $29.6 billion, Tukwila, Wash.-based BECU promoted Bryan MacDonald to the newly-created role of EVP and chief impact officer. MacDonald has been with the credit union for more than 14 years, most recently serving as SVP of enterprise risk management. In his new role, he will oversee BECU’s diversity, equity and inclusion, social impact, communications and government relations teams. Previously, MacDonald served in senior risk roles at BECU as well as other financial institutions, including Washington Mutual, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup. He is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School, and has served as the executive sponsor and an active member of BECU’s Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group since its inception in 2021.

MIDWEST

The $1.1 billion LAFCU in Lansing, Mich., announced an employee honor, two new hires and one promotion.

Robyn Howell, EVP and COO for LAFCU, was recognized as a Crain’s Notable Black Business Leader. Howell has been promoted three times since joining LAFCU in 2017. She started as human resources manager, quickly rose to vice president of HR in 2018 and was appointed chief HR officer in 2021. Her most recent promotion to EVP and COO expanded her responsibilities to include oversight of multiple critical departments. Crain’s Notable Black Business Leaders highlights individuals who are breaking barriers, making bold moves and contributing to the growth of industries in Southeast Michigan.

Angela O’Neel was hired as payroll and benefits specialist. In her new role, she manages weekly payroll processing for LAFCU’s 160-plus team members, handling salary adjustments, tax filings and regulatory compliance. She also oversees open enrollment, monthly check requests, invoicing and audits. Before joining LAFCU, O’Neel worked for the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority, where she processed weekly payroll for over 300 employees and managed a comprehensive benefits program. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and HR from Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Candace Williams was hired into the newly-created role of talent acquisition specialist. In her new position, Williams manages LAFCU’s recruitment efforts, including sourcing candidates, conducting interviews and facilitating new hire orientations. Her role is crucial to ensuring that LAFCU brings on individuals who align with the organization’s goals and culture. Prior to joining LAFCU, Williams worked as a senior employment specialist at a Lansing-based staffing firm for five years, overseeing all aspects of recruitment and talent acquisition.

Umar Tahir was promoted to the newly-created role of vice president of marketing, enterprise innovation and digital assets.

In his new position, Tahir oversees LAFCU’s digital platforms while guiding the credit union’s innovative and transformative efforts in alignment with LAFCU’s strategic plan. He has nearly 20 years of leadership experience, with 13 years specifically in the financial services industry. He joined LAFCU in 2021 as branch manager of the Contact Center. Tahir holds an MBA from the Preston Institute of Management Services & Technology Sciences in Pakistan and is a certified ScrumMaster, a methodology that helps teams work together to deliver high-value products.

SOUTH

The $1.7 billion, North Augusta, S.C.-based SRP Federal Credit Union promoted Ryan Trapp to director of consumer deposit operations. Trapp has been with SRP for 11 years, beginning as a teller and advancing through roles such as recovery specialist and accounting supervisor. He most recently served as operations manager for SRP. In his new role, Trapp will provide strategic leadership and oversight to the consumer account services and operations departments at SRP. His responsibilities will include directing department activities to align with the credit union’s mission, strategic vision and goals.

The $2.2 billion, Richardson, Texas-based Texans Credit Union announced two new hires.

Amy Ecker was hired as director of marketing. In her new role, Ecker will oversee all of Texans’ marketing functions, directing corporate initiatives and developing comprehensive plans to strengthen real estate lending, drive membership growth and elevate the member experience across the entire brand. Texans’ product positioning, advertising and communication across various marketing platforms, including Texans’ website, social media, print media, digital advertising and search engine marketing will also be under Ecker’s strategic management. Ecker most recently served as vice president of marketing and corporate communications at UNIFY Financial Federal Credit Union ($3.5 billion, Allen, Texas). Prior to her role at UNIFY, she spent 14 years at Southwest Airlines Federal Credit Union ($794 million, Dallas) as vice president of marketing and business development. Additionally, she served on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Chapter of Credit Unions for eight years in various roles including marketing chair and chapter president.

Cameron Smith was hired as director of consumer lending. In his new role, Smith will be responsible for the daily oversight and management of the consumer lending department, focusing on both direct and indirect underwriting, loan processing and consumer loan servicing. He will leverage data and analytics to monitor credit risk and drive product development, establishing key performance indicators to assess team productivity and promote continuous improvement. Additionally, Smith will work collaboratively across departments to align lending goals with organizational objectives, enhancing the overall member experience. He most recently served as vice president of lending and lending sales manager at Neighborhood Credit Union ($1.1 billion, Dallas), where he also was integral to starting the Young Professionals program and served as a mentor for the Internal Leadership program for two years.

TRADES

NASCUS named Cherie Freed the recipient of the 2024 Pierre Jay Award during its 59th Annual State System Summit (S3). The Pierre Jay Award, named after Pierre Jay, the first Commissioner of Banks in Massachusetts and the inaugural credit union regulator in the United States, is the highest accolade NASCUS offers. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service, commitment and leadership in supporting NASCUS and the state-chartered credit union system. Cherie Freed is recently retired after more than 37 years of service with the NCUA, including eight years as Western Regional Director. Ten state supervisory agencies from the Western Region nominated Cherie for the Pierre Jay Award in recognition of her impactful partnership with state regulators.

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