8 Credit Union Hires & Promotions Include 5 Leadership Roles at Citadel CU

EAST

The $6 billion, Exton, Pa.-based Citadel Credit Union announced four new hires and one promotion.

Lucia “Lucy” Bellomia was hired as chief retail officer. In her new role, she will lead the retail and business banking teams, contact center and newly formed branch administration team. She brings 25 years of experience in streamlining business efficiencies and enhancing customer service through technology at financial institutions such as Bank of America, Berkshire Bank, Santander Bank and PNC Bank.

Michael Desimone was hired as chief lending officer. Desimone brings over two decades of experience in the banking industry as well as expertise in credit risk management, regulatory environments, product management and digital loan platforms. He has held prior roles at People’s United Bank and KeyBank as well as with a lending software technology company.

Chris Palumbo was hired as chief risk officer. Palumbo brings over 30 years of experience in financial services, with a focus on risk management, regulatory compliance and operational leadership. He previously served as regulator at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and managing director at KPMG. In his new role, he will be responsible for ensuring the institution’s operations align with regulatory standards.

Donald Scala was hired into the newly-created role of chief experience officer. In his new position, he will oversee Citadel’s member and employee experience team and establish an enterprise-wide Project Management Office (EPMO). He will also focus on integrating member feedback into every aspect of Citadel’s operations, driving higher satisfaction and loyalty. Scala brings 30 years of experience in organizational culture, quality assurance and retail, having previously served at Citibank, Investors Bank and Connect One Bank.

Courtney Rowan was promoted to chief digital and transformation officer. Rowan joined Citadel in 1999 has since served as a pivotal figure in advancing Citadel’s digital strategy. In her new role, she will continue to drive the credit union’s ongoing business transformation, ensuring Citadel remains competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Becky Smith, EVP and chief revenue officer for the $5.6 billion, Linthicum, Md.-based SECU, was named a recipient of the 2024 Banking on Brilliance Awards, powered by KlariVis. The Banking on Brilliance Awards recognize remarkable women in community banking who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in driving transformation through innovation and data. Smith was selected due to her excellence in innovation and data-driven leadership. Joining SECU in 2019, Smith has more than 20 years of integrated marketing leadership experience with specific expertise in guiding companies and brands through transformative advertising and marketing efforts.

The $2.9 billion, Virginia Beach, Va.-based Chartway Credit Union appointed Desai Madrigal as an associate director on its Board of Directors. Madrigal, a long-time business leader and advocate for financial inclusion in Chartway’s Southern Utah market, brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the financial and real estate sectors. He is the owner of WIN Home Inspection and president of the Southern Utah Latino Business Alliance, a part of the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce.

WEST

The $374 million, Pasadena, Calif.-based Pasadena Federal Credit Union hired Ozgun Ulupinar as chief information officer. In her new role, Ulupinar will spearhead the credit union’s digital transformation, overseeing information security and technological infrastructure while driving innovation to enhance member services. Collaborating closely with the executive team, she will also align technology strategies with the credit union’s mission of “Engaging, Educating and Inspiring every community member.” She brings over 15 years of experience in software engineering and digital transformation within the financial services industry. Previously, she served as manager of software engineering for Jack Henry. She holds an executive MBA and master’s in computer science.

The $2.1 billion, Denver-based Westerra Credit Union hired Mary White as a mortgage loan officer. White brings over 30 years of experience in the industry across a wide range of lending areas, including renovation lending, construction-to-permanent financing, new construction and conventional, FHA and VA loans. She serves as president of the local “Folds of Honor” chapter, an organization that supports dependents of wounded and fallen veterans with scholarships.

SOUTH

APCU/Center Parc Credit Union ($2.4 billion, Atlanta) promoted Amanda Marchese to vice president of consumer lending. In her new role, Marchese will lead lending operations, including loan sales and loan processing; ensure a seamless experience for borrowers; and create, develop and implement strategies to achieve loan production objectives for the organization. She has been with APCU/Center Parc for more than nine years and most recently served as consumer lending sales manager. Previously, she spent time as a loan officer for the credit union.

TRADES

Jason Stverak, chief advocacy officer for the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC), was named as a National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE) 2024 Top Lobbyist. Stverak was recognized for his exceptional contributions and commitment to ethical standards in the field of lobbying and advocacy. NILE will host the 2024 Top Lobbyist Reception on Nov. 7 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. EST at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Jim Hollingsworth, board chair for the $4.1 billion, Biloxi, Miss.-based Keesler Federal Credit Union, was recently honored with the National Association of Credit Union Chairs 2024 Leadership Award at the 48th Annual Chairs’ Roundtable Forum in New Orleans. In 2013, Hollingsworth began attending NACUC’s Leadership Seminar and Chairs’ Roundtable Forum. He was elected to the NACUC Board of Directors in October 2019, where he currently serves as vice chair. The NACUC Leadership Award was created to honor exceptional board leaders, celebrating exemplary leadership, governance excellence, innovation and unwavering dedication that significantly advances the credit union industry.

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