HIGHTSTOWN, N.J. -- Credit Union Times Editor/Publisher Paul Gentile has been named president/CEO of the New Jersey Credit Union League.

Gentile, who joined Credit Union Times in 1997, will begin his new career on Dec. 3.

"We think his experience with the credit union market, his knowledge of credit union issues and how well he's done running the operations of Credit Union Times are going to make him a great CEO for us," said NJCUL Chairman Rina Pantano, president/CEO of NJ Gateway Federal Credit Union in Monmouth Junction.

NJCUL has experienced some turnover in the corner office in recent years. Gentile replaces Bob Walls, former CEO of the Delaware CU League, who left NJCUL earlier this year after approximately two years in the role. Walls replaced Tom Shaughnessy.

Stability is key going forward, said Pantano, and she understands that New Jersey credit unions are looking for consistency.

"We know our credit unions want a strong league. They deserve that and we want to respond. We think Paul can bring into focus what our members need and he can deliver."

The NJCUL's credit union awareness campaign, which features Bob the Credit Union Guy and was adapted from a Utah campaign, kicked off this year. Pantano believes Gentile can bring a new approach to getting the word out about New Jersey credit unions.

Gentile, 36, is excited about his new position, but isn't na??ve about the challenges that await him. "The league has had turnover at the CEO position that may have shaken the confidence of some New Jersey credit unions, but I am convinced this board is committed to moving forward and doing what's right for New Jersey credit unions. I want to be a part of that."

Pantano said the board has not shied away from examining its structure. The board is in the process of appointing a new governance task force to ensure appropriate representation on the board. The task force will be made up primarily of non-board members. She stressed that Gentile has the full support of the board. "The board is 100% behind him. I think Paul will absolutely bring stability to the league."

Having put his heart and soul into Credit Union Times since 1997 and contributing to more than 500 issues of the publication, Gentile said it was an emotional decision.

"When I joined Credit Union Times I had no idea my career here would last so long. I learned early on that credit unions are about people who care about what they do. That made it easy for me to find a home with credit unions. I also really loved all the news in this market. From banker attacks and legislative battles, to all the new technologies credit unions have adopted, there was never much down time. It's truly been a great ride."

"Paul has had a great career at the publication, and we wish him every success in his important new role," said Andy Goodenough, President of Summit Business Media, the owners of Credit Union Times. "Looking to the future, we will continue to invest in the publication to ensure Credit Union Times remains the dominant industry publication."

During his tenure at Credit Union Times, Gentile rose from staff reporter up to editor under founder and then-Publisher Mike Welch. After Welch's departure in 2005, Gentile shortly later added the publisher title. This brought him into the operations/finance side of the business duties. "I can't say enough how much my mentor and good friend Mike Welch has meant to me at Credit Union Times. He gave me the opportunity to take the spotlight and grow. True leaders are those that help everyone else become better. That was Mike," Gentile said.

Welch wished Gentile well and fondly remembers his many contributions. "Paul Gentile has done an outstanding job as, first editor, and then editor and publisher and weekly columnist of Credit Union Times," said Welch. "His creative talent, dedication, and hard work has been evident in every weekly issue of Credit Union Times, from the smallest to the record-breaking 150 page plus issues. After 10 years overseeing the editorial product, he leaves big shoes to fill for the publication to continue to maintain its dominant position in the credit union industry."

Gentile was clearly excited to begin his new career with the NJCUL. "I am anxious to get in the car and start visiting New Jersey credit unions. I look forward to meeting as many New Jersey credit union leaders as possible and finding out what's on their minds. In my current position, I have to be on top of all of the important credit union issues and trends, but I don't go into this assuming too much. I want to take the pulse of our members."

He believes NJCUL can play a role in increasing member penetration in New Jersey. With 1.2 credit union members out of a potential of more than 8.5 million, he said there is plenty of opportunity for New Jersey credit unions to expand. "With all of the mortgage problems and a growing income gap, there is no better time than now for the people of New Jersey to learn about the credit union difference."

He noted that he has always been impressed with the marketing talent in the credit union market and has tried to showcase that through the publicaiton's many marketing stories and the Marketing Page, which runs a few times monthly. "Great marketing and the ability to get the word out about credit unions solves so many problems facing credit unions. I hope we can help our New Jersey credit unions in this area."

"Under Paul's direction, CU Times maintained its position as a 'must-read' in credit union executive offices, particularly his weekly 'Editor's column.' Paul consistently offered up compelling ideas and fresh approaches to industry issues. With the NJCUL, I would expect the stream of these ideas and approaches to continue to the benefit of credit unions of his home state, which I know he cherishes," said CUNA President/CEO Dan Mica.

Gentile, originally from Elizabeth, N.J., currently resides in Matawan, N.J. with his wife Janet and twin boys Joseph and Christopher.

--mdigiovanni@cutimes.com

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Credit Union Times Editor/Publisher Paul Gentile Named CEO of New Jersey Credit Union League

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