Credit unions in the south and west announced most of the promotions and new hires this week, as well as the retirement of a CEO in Missouri after more than four decades of service.

EAST

The $379 million Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union in Rocky Hill, Conn., hired Timothy Ross as its chief financial officer. He previously served as the CFO of Kinderhook Bank in New York and Northfield Savings Bank in Vermont.

Cara Babicz, a loan officer for the $74 million Great Erie Federal Credit Union in Orchard Park, N.Y., who is pictured at left, was recognized with the Outstanding Young Professional Award from the New York Credit Union Association. The statewide award honors individuals 35 years of age or young whose commitment, hard work and achievements have enhanced their cooperative and the Empire State credit union movement.  In addition to working at credit union  Great Erie FCU for six years and being a member for more than 20 years, she chaired the New York association's Young Professionals Commission and was instrumental in fostering the growth of young credit union professionals throughout the state. She also participated in advocacy events on the state and federal levels.

The $2.9 billion Mid-Atlantic Corporate Federal Credit Union in Middletown, Pa., announced the results of its  board of directors. Jerry King,  president/CEO of the $250 million DEXSTA Federal Credit Union in Wilmington, Del.; James F. McCaw, president/CEO of the $66 million Viriva Community Credit Union in Warminster, Pa.; and Mark Volponi of the $214 million USX Federal Credit Union, Cranberry Township, Pa. were re-elected to three-year terms. Board of directors officers who were elected included  Board Chair Michael P. Pastirik, president/CEO of  the $92 million United Community Federal Credit Union in West Mifflin, Pa; Vice Chair Joan M. Moran, president/CEO of the $73 million Department of Labor Federal Credit Union in Washington; Treasurer David B. Whitehead, president/CEO of the $536 million Merck Sharp and Dohme Federal Credit Union in Chalfont, Pa.; and Secretary Brian J. Vittek, president/CEO of the $59 million Destinations Credit Union in Baltimore, Md.

MIDWEST

Chris Butler, president/CEO of the $123 million Community Credit Union in LaCrosse, Wis., was the recipient of the Robert H. Mackay award at the 2015 CU*Base Leadership Conference in June. The award recognizes the leadership contributions of a credit union professional.  Butler, who served on the board of directors of the CU*Answers since 2001 and as the board chair since 2006, was credited with leading the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based CUSO's growth.

SOUTH

The West Community Credit Union in O'Fallon, Mo., announced that Gary Hinrichs, president/CEO, will be retiring in early 2016 after 41 years of service.  Under Hinrichs' leadership, the credit union grew from $750,000 in assets and one branch to today's $165 million in assets and four branches. Hinrichs also led the organization through eight mergers and produced membership growth from 1,100 to more than 19,000 members. He also incorporated the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence to continuously improve member service. A successor for Hinrichs will be named in the fall of 2015.

Cynthia Gore was named chief people officer for the $1 billion Georgia United Credit Union in Duluth. She holds more than 20 years of professional experience in the human resources field and previously held an executive position with HealthCare Solutions, an integrated medical cost management solutions provider in Atlanta. She also held senior level human resources roles with Home Depot, United Stationers Supply Inc., and Ulanji Inc.

Zubair Rana joined the $17.8 billion PenFed Credit Union in Alexandria, Va., as its chief marketing officer. He previously worked for more than 17 years with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc.

The $3.3 billion Space Coast Credit Union in Melbourne, Fla., promoted Kim Lynn to vice president of operations. She joined the cooperative in 2000 as a member service representative and was promoted in 2009 to director of retail services.

Paul Maley was named chief lending officer community for the $91 million Community Service Credit Union in Huntsville, Texas. He previously served as the collections manager at the $122 million River City Federal Credit Union in San Antonio. He also served as an assistant vice president and collections section manager at JPMorgan Chase in Houston.

The $1.8 billion University Federal Credit Union in Austin hired Jason Qunell as its senior manager of commercial lending. He holds more than 20 years of commercial lending experience and most recently served as the senior vice president of commercial real estate lending for Capitol One Bank in Austin. WEST

The $157 million Peninsula Credit Union announced Kimberly Ingham was promoted to vice president of member engagement. She joined the Shelton, Wash.-based credit union 1993,  starting as a member service representative and was later promoted to branch manager and a regional manager

The $2.2 billion SAFE Credit Union in Folsom, Calif., hired Kevin Murphy as commercial credit manager. Murphy brings more than 30 years of financial experience and previously worked for California Bank & Trust and Bank of America.

Robert Snead joined the investment services division of the $4.1 billion Ent Federal Credit Union in Colorado Springs, Colo., as an investment representative. He previously served as a financial adviser with USAA Financial Services and T. Rowe Price Trust Co. 

TRADES

Carol Fastrich Aranos joined the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association in Harrisburg as its assistant vice president of marketing and communications. She holds more than 20 years of professional experience in communications and marketing.