EAST
Gerald Brown, director emeritus for Andrews Federal Credit Union ($2.4 billion, Suitland, Md.), was chosen by the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) for induction into its Hall of Honor. The DCUC Hall of Honor recognizes leaders and volunteers who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the defense credit union movement and the military communities they serve. Brown served as a credit union volunteer for more than 33 years, providing his expertise on the Board of Directors, including serving as chair and vice chair. He also served on various board committees including the Supervisory Committee (chair), CUSO Committee (chair), Loan Review Committee, Policy and Bylaw Committee and Nominating Committee. Brown retired from the credit union’s Board of Directors in 2019 but continues to support the board and provide his expertise in service to members when needed. He also served 28 years in the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of major. In addition, he served his country through 18 years of civilian employment with the Department of the Navy. Brown was recognized at the July 2025 DCUC Annual Conference in Palm Desert, Calif.
The $8 billion, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based Hudson Valley Credit Union announced three new hires and one role change.
Rehan Kausar was hired as SVP, chief artificial intelligence officer. In his new role, Kausar is responsible for the strategic leadership, development and enterprise-wide execution of HVCU’s AI and generative AI initiatives. Alongside this, he’ll identify, prioritize and oversee the implementation of high-impact AI use cases across risk management, customer service and internal operations, ensuring alignment with the credit union’s mission to enhance financial security and member experience. Kausar most recently served as chief artificial intelligence officer at AI Advantages, LLC.
Rebekah Larson was hired as manager of the Kingston Branch in Katrine, N.Y. In her new role, Larson oversees operations to drive membership acquisitions by strengthening member relations. Additionally, she provides consistent development to staff, setting clear goals, objectives and expectations for the branch. She most recently served as a branch manager for Chase.
Brendon Vealey was named manager of the Green Island Branch in Green Island, N.Y. Vealey most recently served as manager of the Clifton Park Branch in Clifton Park, N.Y. In his new role, he oversees operations to drive membership acquisitions by strengthening member relations. Additionally, he provides consistent development to staff, setting clear goals, objectives and expectations for the branch.
Ross Tompkins was hired as mortgage loan originator. In his new role, Tompkins presents and sells specific mortgage loan programs to members and potential members that are appropriate for their individual financial circumstances. Alongside this, he develops new business opportunities through networking and meets or exceeds established member service levels, loan quality and loan production goals. Tompkins most recently served as a title sales representative at Green Acre Abstract. He also served as an account manager at Lendsure Mortgage Corp.
Amber Askew, CFO for the $2.4 billion, Edgewood, Md.-based APGFCU, was named a 2025 Baltimore Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. This recognition celebrates 40 young professionals under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions to their industries and communities across the Greater Baltimore area. Askew, who joined APGFCU a decade ago, is a Certified Public Accountant and former auditor with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA). She also serves on the Harford Community College Accounting and Business Advisory Board.
The $2.8 billion, Rome, N.Y.-based AmeriCU Credit Union hired Amber Cooleen as SVP of marketing. Cooleen brings more than 20 years of experience, having held key marketing roles across various industries, from business-to-business startups to global real estate organizations. Most recently, she spent four years as chief marketing officer for a credit union based in New York’s Capital Region. She holds a master’s of arts in corporate and organizational communications from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Red Cross of Northeastern NY and as a judge for America’s Credit Unions’ Diamond Awards.
SOUTH
The $3 billion, Dunedin, Fla.-based Achieva Credit Union hired Colin Lopez as market president. In his new role, he will oversee branch operations in the state’s greater Hillsborough, Hernando and Pasco counties, including at Carrollwood, Land O’ Lakes, Trinity, New Port Richey and Mariner. In addition, he will actively work to expand Achieva’s community-focused initiatives. His efforts will include launching new youth financial literacy programs this fall and exploring strategic partnerships with local schools to support classroom learning and deepen community engagement. He brings more than 15 years of banking experience, having previously spent more than 15 years at Wells Fargo, where he held a range of leadership positions across Orlando and Pensacola, Fla.
The $4.5 billion, Tullahoma, Tenn.-based Ascend Federal Credit Union hired Laura A. Miller as chief human resources officer. In her new role, Miller will serve as a key member of Ascend’s executive leadership team. She will lead the credit union’s people strategy, overseeing areas such as compensation and benefits, talent acquisition and development, employee engagement and performance management. Her role also includes ensuring compliance, guiding succession planning and shaping organizational culture. Miller will align HR initiatives with Ascend’s mission of serving its members and supporting communities. She brings over 20 years of experience in HR, having most recently served as SVP of human resources at Interra Credit Union ($1.9 billion, Goshen, Ind.). She has also held executive roles at TTCU Federal Credit Union ($2.5 billion, Tulsa, Okla.), Citi and AAA Oklahoma/South Dakota.
The $1.2 billion, San Antonio, Texas-based Firstmark Credit Union hired Robin Tooms as chief marketing officer, effective Sept. 2. Tooms brings over 20 years of leadership experience, having most recently served at Members Choice Credit Union ($767 million, Houston) as SVP and chief marketing officer since March 2019. Before that, she served as principal and senior leader for the advertising agency Savage Brands. Tooms also serves as a national board chair for the American Marketing Association.
Please send your People news items to Natasha Chilingerian at nchilingerian@cutimes.com.
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.