EAST
Connex Credit Union, Hamden, Conn., recently promoted Kathryn Carlson to branch manager at its Hamden location. She has worked as assistant branch manager at the credit union's Wallingford location. Carlson brings four years of experience in the financial services industry to her new position. Daryl Gessler, the credit union's chief financial officer, and Jen Bresina, the credit union's internal auditor, recently completed CUNA's Regulatory Training and Certification Program. Both received their Credit Union Compliance Expert certification with high honors.
First Citizens' Federal Credit Union, Fairhaven, Conn., recently announced the appointment of Joseph Ender as vice president of consumer lending. He will oversee consumer lending origination.
Ender has managed successful consumer lending portfolios for American Honda Finance Corp. of Torrance, Calif., and most recently for TD Banknorth of Portland, Maine.
MIDWEST
Consumers Credit Union, Kalamazoo, Mich., announced that Kathi Vlachos has joined the credit union team as the district mortgage department manager. She most recently served as district manager for GMAC Mortgage. Kim Bradley has also joined the credit union as assistant manager of the member service center. Bradley has seven years of experience in banking and branch management.
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Royal Credit Union, Eau Claire, Wis., named Dan Leibham as vice president of business loans and services. He will be responsible for working directly with area businesses to provide financial assistance for growth and profitability. Most recently, Dan worked as a commercial lender at US Bank for two years.
CUNA, Madison, Wis., announced that Gary Smart, vice president of business services and lending for Crane FCU, has been appointed to a vacant seat on the CUNA Lending Council. Smart began his career in the financial services industry in collections, and most recently focused on consumer and small business lending.
HIWAY Federal Credit Union, St. Paul, Minn., has a new vice president of finance in Aaron Kastner, who has served in key leadership roles with several leading Twin Cities financial institutions. He succeeds Dale Hovind, who is retiring after serving the credit union for nearly 20 years.
Minnesota Credit Union for Kids, Bloomington, Minn., in partnership with the Minnesota Family Involvement Council, recently honored two individuals for time and effort spent on their respective committees. Steve Oien of Minnco Credit Union and Lynn Meisner of City-County Federal Credit Union received volunteer awards at a banquet held in conjunction with the Minnesota Credit Union Network's annual meeting and convention.
SOUTH
Community First Credit Union, Jacksonville, Fla., recently named Bryan Cowan manager of the downtown Jacksonville branch located on Main Street. He succeeds retiring Branch Manager Mary Williams. Cowan previously served as the branch manager for Community First's San Pablo branch.
Y-12 Federal Credit Union, Oak Ridge, Tenn., announced that Alyson R. Walker recently joined the credit union as manager of risk and compliance. Walker has extensive experience in the financial and investment sector and was most recently employed by Anderson & Strudwick.
APGFCU, Aberdeen, Md., honored 26 employees for their service to the credit union in milestones of 10 through 25 years. Members of the senior management team praised supervisors and fellow staff members for their achievements. Those honored for their milestones of employment include Susan Kemen, for 25 years of service; Janet Self, for 20 years of service; Shawna Barben, for 15 years of service; and Patricia Wackford, for 10 years of service.
VENDORS
Guardian Analytics, Los Altos, Calif., announced the appointment of Terry Austin as CEO, effective immediately. Austin succeeds company founder Tom Miltonberger. The company also announced the security industry veteran Irfan Salim, president/CEO of MarkMonitor, has joined the Guardian Analytics board of directors.
Credit Union Economics Group, Washington, announced that Frank Vassallo, chief financial officer at Bank-Fund Staff FCU, has joined the Credit Union Economics Group team. Vassallo has worked in the credit union industry for approximately 20 years in a variety of credit union positions and at CUNA Mutual Group. Prior to joining the Bank-Fund Staff FCU, he was chief financial officer of Fort Belvoir FCU for six years.
NewGround, St. Louis, announced the promotion of Tom Auer to senior vice president of architecture. He will continue to be responsible for the overall management of the firm's architectural and engineering division, including design oversight and guidance on all projects. Tom has more than 20 years of experience in areas as diverse as corporate architecture and retail design to owning his own architectural firm.
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