Ed Berube was hired as assistant vice president/security and fraud prevention. In his new role, he has overall responsibility for the security of the credit union as well as to outside stakeholders. Berube brings over 24 years of experience in law enforcement, specializing in financial crimes and fraud investigations. He holds a doctorate from Northeastern University in Boston and is a hockey and lacrosse coach in Attleboro, Mass.

Ed Cole was promoted to assistant vice president/collections manager. In his new role, he has overall responsibility for the day-to-day activities of the collections department, including overseeing a staff of 11. Cole has over 20 years of experience in the collections field and has been with Coastal1 since 2020.

Hudson Valley Credit Union ($7.4 billion, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) promoted James Ferguson to branch manager of the Rotterdam, N.Y., branch. Ferguson has seven years of leadership experience and joined HVCU in 2021 as a financial service representative. He has been promoted to roles across the branch network since then, most recently assistant branch manager of the Mahopac, N.Y., branch. In his new role, Ferguson is responsible for the development of branch staff, driving business development and sales, and maintaining a positive member experience. He is a graduate of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Dutchess professional development program.

MIDWEST

Michael Goad, president/CEO for the $2.3 billion, Midland, Mich.-based Dow Credit Union, received the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation’s 2024 Leadership Award for excellence in member and community care. Now in its second year, the Leadership Award is presented to outstanding leaders across the Great Lakes Bay Region who positively impact and inspire the lives of all people, with a focus on inclusivity for individuals with exceptionalities. The award ceremony took place at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth in Frankenmuth, Mich., on Nov. 14. Dow CU is a current sponsor of the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation.

The $838 million, Midland, Mich.-based Members First Credit Union announced Erin Strang as the newest addition to its Board of Directors. Strang brings a strong background in economic development, having served as president/CEO of Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC). She succeeds Tom (Clare) Taylor, who retired after 47 years of service on the Board.

The $576 million, Battle Creek, Mich.-based OMNI Community Credit Union promoted Nicole Kasper to chief retail officer. In her new role, Kasper will broaden her support for OMNI and enhance the member-focused approach across all retail teams. She will also continue empowering the team to make a greater impact by ensuring they have the training and resources needed to best serve members while fostering opportunities for professional growth. Kasper began her career in retail banking 20 years ago as a teller and worked her way to various lending positions. She joined OMNI in 2015, where she has served as assistant branch manager, retail sales and development manager, and director of retail. She is a member of the Board and Finance Committee for the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce.

The $4.1 billion United Federal Credit Union in St. Joseph, Mich., hired Renee Johnson as chief commercial officer. In her new role, Johnson will join United’s Strategic Leadership Team and oversee all aspects of the commercial business line, including commercial operations, commercial sales and Small Business Association (SBA) lending. She brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, having most recently served as SVP, director of business banking virtual channel for Citizens Bank.

SOUTH

The $7.8 billion, Huntsville, Ala.-based Redstone Federal Credit Union hired Samarpreet “Sam” Sohi as CFO and EVP. Sohi succeeds Wayne Sisco, Redstone’s current CFO and senior EVP, who is set to retire in March 2025 after a 38-year tenure. Sohi is a chartered financial analyst who brings more than 15 years of experience to Redstone. He most recently served as CFO for the $4.1 billion Keesler Federal Credit Union in Biloxi, Miss.