The $245 million, 31,400-member AOD Federal Credit Union inBynum, Ala., has named veteran credit union executive RichardSimonton Sr. as its new president and CEO.

Simonton most recently was serving as a conservatorship CEO forthe NCUA where he began his financial services career as anexaminer. He also has been a finance and merger consultant forcredit unions and was CFO and CEO at the $453 million InsightCredit Union in Orlando, Fla., from 1993 to 2010.

“We are extremely pleased to have Rich joining the credit union,and we welcome him to the area” said Gordon “Doc” Williamson, boardchairman for AOD FCU.

“With his knowledge and over 30 years' experience in thecredit union industry, as well as his dedication to member service,Rich will be a strong leader as the credit union continues togrow,” Williamson said.

Simonton said, “It is great to be here at AODFederal Credit Union. I look forward to building on thesuccesses that AODFCU has achieved, propelling the organizationforward with new initiatives, and expanding services to serve theneeds of our diverse and expanding membership.”

Simonton has been active as a board and committee member forseveral companies, including Southeast Corporate,and has represented credit unions before lawmakers in Tallahassee,Fla., and Washington, D.C., his employer said.

Simonton is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University andRollins College and he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana,where he worked with cooperative societies.

Simonton and his wife, Margie, are the parents of 14 childrenand in Florida, he was an active supporter of the Russell Home forAtypical Children, the Coalition for the Homeless, Toys for Tots,and Second Harvest Food Bank.

“I am always eager to help organizations that help so manypeople in our community,” Simonton said.