Effective Monday, CUNA has eliminated two positions in itsWashington-based communications division, according to an emailsent to board members and obtained by Credit UnionTimes.

Mark Wolff, who was most recently senior vice president ofcommunications and had been with the trade association more than 22years, will leave the organization.

“We certainly wish Mark well in his future endeavors and regretthat this change needed to be made at this time; however, it wasnecessary given our continuing efforts to streamline theorganization and improve our service to our members and stateLeagues and Associations,” said President/CEO Bill Cheney in theemail.

Consumer and Website Coordinator Jill Stevenson's position was also eliminated.

In a draft email to CUNA staff that was included in the boardcommunication, Cheney said the communications department is “beingrestructured to ensure it is effective and efficient in deliveringthe message of CUNA and credit unions to our member credit unions,state Leagues and Associations, the media, lawmakers, andconsumers.”

That restructuring will include a transition for current VicePresident of Communications Pat Keefe into internal communications.The email said a new director of public relations position will becreated for working with the press.

Social Media Manager Amaia Kirtland will assume the day-to-dayresponsibilities of aSmarterChoice, which Stevensonhandled, in addition to the other aspects of CUNA's social mediaefforts. Her title is being transitioned to social and digitalmedia manager, Cheney said.

Current Communications Coordinator Angela Barnett willtransition into a communications specialist position and willassist with public relations, internal communications and socialmedia, and Administrative Assistant Ruth Shirley will work forExecutive Vice President, Strategic Communications and EngagementPaul Gentile.

Cheney said Gentile will manage all the communicationsrestructuring changes. Gentile declined to comment further on therestructure.