2025 CU Times Luminaries Finalists: Executive Leadership – Credit Union CEO

Steph Sherrodd – Sunward Federal Credit Union

Steph Sherrodd is a transformative leader guiding one of the Southwest’s most ambitious credit unions on a journey of bold growth. With over 25 years in the industry, Sherodd has led Sunward’s rebrand from Sandia Laboratory FCU to a modern, inclusive identity, aligning the organization with its commitment to redefine what a credit union can be. While leading the rebrand, she also spearheaded the strategic acquisition of two Mountain America Credit Union branches, growing Sunward’s asset base to $4.3 billion and expanding its reach while preserving a values-driven member experience. Known for her strategic acumen and people-first leadership, Sherrodd cultivates a resilient, growth-minded culture. She is passionate about developing internal talent and building the next generation of leaders.

Bill Brown – Citadel Credit Union

Bill Brown has led the organization through a transformative year of growth, innovation and community impact. Since his appointment in October 2023, Brown has made significant strides in reshaping Citadel’s leadership team, introducing strategic products and expanding into SBA lending. Under his guidance, Citadel has committed $6.5 million to support underserved communities through loan subsidies, community partnerships and educational outreach. Brown’s leadership was especially evident in Citadel’s response to the DOJ’s redlining investigation, where he turned a potentially damaging situation into an opportunity for positive change, opening new branches in historically underserved neighborhoods. Brown’s ability to balance financial performance with social responsibility has set a new standard for leadership in the financial services industry.

Jonathan Roberts – Hudson Valley Credit Union

Since becoming President/CEO in 2022, Jonathan W. Roberts has turned strategic vision into transformative action – delivering breakthrough growth, national recognition and a deeply inclusive culture. In just three years, Roberts has accomplished what most leaders hope to do in a decade, including a historic merger – the first time a New York State credit union has acquired a bank. His leadership has transformed HVCU into one of the fastest-growing credit unions in the country, and through vision, action and values, Roberts has positioned HVCU as a blueprint for the future of credit unions, not just delivering results, but raising expectations.

Larry Tobin – FAIRWINDS Credit Union

As the architect and driving force behind FAIRWINDS’ mission to change members’ lives on the journey to Financial Freedom, Larry Tobin has spearheaded innovative and unique products, tools, programs and partnerships to help members save more, eliminate debt, build wealth and live generously. His unwavering commitment to financial freedom – for both members and crewmembers – has shaped a culture of service and innovation. Thanks to Tobin’s leadership, members’ lives are changing every day – and will continue long into the future.

Christina O’Brien – Robins Financial Credit Union

Christina O’Brien is the embodiment of purpose-driven leadership. Beginning as a teller, she brings over three decades of industry experience and a deep commitment to people-first values. Under her guidance, Robins Financial achieved record growth and both national and local recognition. But O’Brien’s leadership goes far beyond numbers. She champions a culture of trust, innovation and development while steering major advancements in digital banking and financial wellness. Her commitment to the community is equally powerful, with over $1 million donated locally as well as active service on boards. O’Brien leads with authenticity, strategic foresight and compassion.

Jason M. Osterhage – Everwise Credit Union

Jason M. Osterhage is driving real transformation by combining strategic vision with a strong focus on people, culture and performance. Over the past year, he’s introduced new capabilities, including a Loan Trading Desk, specialty financing program and the launch of Everwise Ventures, a fintech investment arm, that are helping the organization diversify activities while growing in smarter, more agile ways. He also restructured the Executive Management Team and led the creation of Everwise’s first executive blueprint, its Cultural Constitution. Under Osterhage’s leadership, Everwise has improved loan yield, achieved top-quartile deposit growth and positioned itself to grow core membership, all while maintaining credit quality and increasing member satisfaction.

Don Miller – Gesa Credit Union

Don Miller has dedicated his entire career to Gesa Credit Union, serving as President/CEO since 2013. Over the past year, he led Gesa through the acquisition of Security State Bank, expanding the credit union’s reach to new communities while preserving SSB’s legacy of local service; it was also one of the most significant growth moves in Gesa’s history. Miller’s leadership philosophy is rooted in trust, empowerment and member-first values. He champions innovation, supports calculated risk-taking and cultivates a strong culture where team members are encouraged to lead. His influence is evident in Gesa’s community investment efforts, industry-leading retention rates and reputation as a values-driven financial partner.

Michael Wilson – Members 1st Credit Union

Michael Wilson is a leader driven by his commitment to people, with a purpose of bettering communities. Since stepping into the role in July 2023, he has led the credit union through impressive growth. In 2024 alone, Members 1st funded over $329 million in business loans and saw a 35% increase in cash management clients. Wilson’s standout accomplishment in 2025 was leading a regional advocacy campaign to protect the credit union tax exemption. A champion of inclusive leadership, he has elevated four women into executive roles, introduced shared executive goals to foster collaboration and expanded financial wellness and associate support programs, including the launch of an onsite food pantry.

Crystal Long – GECU

Crystal Long is a champion of the credit union movement and her leadership has led the credit union to bring financial well-being to countless members and individuals. GECU’s designation to a federally-chartered credit union made it possible to serve more communities across Texas and New Mexico. Long’s vision of bringing the “people helping people” philosophy to underserved families and individuals was made a reality with the milestone opening of the first-ever GECU branch in New Mexico. Her belief in being part of the fabric of the community has brought change to Southern New Mexico’s most pressing needs of education, food security, essential tax services, and access to financial products and services. She has shown that when we commit to the principles of the credit union movement, we will make a difference.

Steve O’Connell – California Credit Union

Steve O’Connell has led a transformative year of innovation focused on leveraging technology to enhance the member experience and strengthen the credit union’s competitive edge. Under his leadership, the organization launched a series of groundbreaking initiatives that expanded secure, convenient access to services while increasing operational efficiency and deepening member engagement. Despite significant industry change, member satisfaction was 96.6%, a testament to his leadership and the balance he strikes between high-tech tools and high-touch service. His visionary approach has positioned California Credit Union as a leader in digital transformation while remaining grounded in the values of service, trust and community.

Executive Leadership – Credit Union CEO ($1B-$4B)

Jana Erny – Park Community Credit Union

Jana Erny leads with clarity, conviction and care. Her leadership is grounded in the core values she helped define through an inclusive, organization-wide process: Vibrant Connection, Inclusive Excellence, Bold Compassion and Endless Empowerment (V.I.B.E.). In the past year, Erny expanded Park’s impact as Kentucky’s largest Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), reframing the designation as a catalyst for community reinvestment and product innovation. She deepened accountability by introducing mission aligned KPIs, coaching models and outreach efforts. Internally, she has cultivated a culture of mentorship, transparency and shared accountability. Erny’s leadership positions Park as a pacesetter for what modern credit unions can be: Mission-driven, community-anchored and built to create lasting impact.

Jared Freeman – OnPath Credit Union

Jared Freeman’s five-year tenure as OnPath Credit Union’s President/CEO are marked by extraordinary growth and transformative leadership. Shortly after joining OnPath in 2020 when facing financial challenges, Freeman candidly rallied the team, inspiring a period of remarkable revitalization. His ability to create a culture of excellence enabled OnPath to not only overcome financial uncertainty but also exceed membership and lending goals. A crowning achievement for Freeman in 2024 was leading one of the largest credit union mergers in Louisiana history. Freeman has spearheaded a forward-thinking approach, blending modern technology with a human touch, evidenced by best-in-class products, services and strategic fintech partnerships. He has cultivated a leadership team of innovative, driven individuals who passionately embrace the credit union movement, truly advocating the meaning of member ownership and propelling OnPath to unprecedented success.

Steve Webb – Neighbors Federal Credit Union

Steve E. Webb Jr. has transformed a local credit union into a statewide engine for financial empowerment and community investment. With over 35 years in the movement, Webb has grown Neighbors to more than 80,000 members and $1.2 billion in assets while launching innovations like AI-powered chat support and fully integrated teller machines. Webb’s visionary leadership redefines what it means to be a credit union CEO. He combines operational excellence with social innovation, making Neighbors a statewide model for member inclusion, employee purpose and community impact.

Jeff Carpenter – WEOKIE Credit Union

At WEOKIE, Jeff Carpenter consistently drives innovation, making significant changes to enhance operations and member experience. His leadership extends beyond WEOKIE’s walls, actively contributing to local credit union success, exemplified by examples such as the “CU in the Park” concert collaboration. Nationally, he champions the industry, ensuring credit unions remain a strong and viable alternative to banks. Carpenter is a true member champion, always seeking feedback for improvement. His deep understanding that community investment is vital for survival underscores his genuine care for both members and employees. Carpenter’s unrivaled dedication sets a powerful benchmark for leadership in our industry.

Tom Kuslikis – EFCU Financial

In just the last 12 months, Tom Kuslikis has led EFCU Financial through a transformative era, positioning the credit union as a model of innovation, growth and operational excellence. Under his leadership, EFCU launched a multi-year digital modernization strategy, including a new online account opening platform, AI-powered voice bot “Evie” and upgraded loan origination and collection systems, dramatically improving member experience and internal efficiency. Beyond technology, Kuslikis deepened community impact through innovative partnerships with LSU and Southern University, advancing financial literacy and brand visibility. He also modernized governance, invested in talent development and championed industry advocacy.

Chris Parker – Lighthouse Credit Union

Chris Parker is a proven leader of leaders who serves with great passion and great respect for the culture of the Lighthouse Credit Union, its members and the communities it serves. He has a passion for building teams, making it possible for everyone on staff to excel, for solving huge community issues through guided genuine teamwork and for always being on strategy. He makes time to provide one-on-one meetings at least quarterly with each board member. He makes it possible for every Executive Team member to have a personal coach for personal and professional growth. He hosts outstanding off campus summits for all employees and hosts equally outstanding Strategic Planning Conferences. Parker is a diamond among leaders who leads by example with a quiet but very high energy that brings out the very best in everyone within his team.

Kevin Miller – Addition Financial Credit Union

In the past year alone, Kevin Miller led a full-scale digital banking overhaul, launching a modernized online and mobile platform that improved accessibility and member satisfaction while increasing digital engagement across the credit union’s membership. Miller successfully negotiated a major merger agreement with Envision Credit Union, solidifying Addition Financial’s position as a regional leader. He champions a culture of collaboration, trust and employee empowerment through initiatives like personalized listening tours and “Coffee with Kevin” sessions. He’s equally committed to community engagement, advancing initiatives such as the High School Branch Program and a paid volunteer time off benefit for employees. Miller’s commitment to member service, employee engagement and community impact exemplifies the essence of executive leadership.

Laurie Butz – Capital Credit Union

Laurie Butz has led with empathy, courage and innovation – delivering remarkable results while staying deeply grounded in purpose. In just the past year, Butz increased employee engagement from 60% to 86%, reduced turnover by 8% and expanded financial education to over 32,000 individuals across multiple languages. Her leadership empowered Capital CU to invest nearly $160,000 in youth and community programs and log nearly 5,700 volunteer hours. Butz’s belief that “every person you lead is someone’s precious child” isn’t just philosophy – it’s a strategy that’s changing lives.

Vitaliy Kutnyy – Selfreliance Credit Union

Born in Ukraine, Kutnyy immigrated to the United States and began his career at Selfreliance in 2002 as a part-time teller. Through dedication, skill and leadership, he rose through every level of the organization to become its chief executive. With Kutnyy’s capable guidance during his six years as CEO, Selfreliance nearly doubled in assets as a result of organic growth, successful mergers and, more recently, an influx of refugees from war-torn Ukraine. The credit union is poised to continue this growth, and Kutnyy’s enthusiasm for the future is contagious. A strategic, mission-driven leader, he has built a high-performing executive team and implemented innovative investment strategies that have enhanced the credit union’s profitability. He remains deeply connected to the Ukrainian-American community and continues to champion community support.

Mark L. Robnett – Justice Federal Credit Union

Mark L. Robnett has an approachable leadership style, viewing his role as that of a coach. His positive, visionary approach, combined with human connection and technological innovation, fosters an inclusive and empowering High-Performing Organization workplace culture, which contributed to Justice Federal achieving a milestone $1 billion in assets, one year ahead of plan. Robnett serves in key industry leadership roles and is known for his dedication to member financial well-being and community impact. His guiding mantra is “perpetual optimism is a force multiplier,” reflecting his belief in the power of a positive attitude to drive organizational success and industry advancement.

Executive Leadership – Credit Union CEO ($1B & Below)

Judy DeLucca – New Orleans Fireman’s Federal Credit Union

For more than four decades, Judy DeLucca has led New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union (NOFFCU) with unwavering purpose, redefining what cooperative finance can achieve in underserved communities. In the past year alone, DeLucca’s leadership resulted in the strategic expansion of NOFFCU’s partnership with The Faith Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of financial exclusion. Simultaneously, DeLucca led a pivotal merger with TCA FCU, ensuring continued financial access for 600 members in a New Orleans banking desert. The location has since been transformed into a Financial Empowerment Center offering full-service credit union operations alongside wraparound social services. Under her guidance, NOFFCU has secured over $15 million in CDFI funding, achieved a loan-to-share ratio nearly 20% above its peer average, and ensured that 72% of all loans benefit low-income or underserved communities.

Jed Meyer – St. Cloud Financial

Jed Meyer is a reflection of a true innovator and trailblazer in the financial world, dedication to the credit union industry, motivated with true passion to see people helping people. He displays visionary leadership in driving the credit union forward – championing innovative products in digital assets and cannabis banking, while actively advancing multicultural growth initiatives to build a more inclusive future. Meyer is relentless in his efforts to keep members’ funds rooted in the local community, believing that every resident deserves access to a hometown financial institution – one that prioritizes personal connection, care and commitment the moment someone walks through the doors. His enduring dedication to technology, cultural advancement and genuine relationship-building continues to shape a promising future for St. Cloud Financial and the communities it proudly serves.

Helen Mickel – Tongass Federal Credit Union

Helen Mickel is a visionary leader who exemplifies the founding purpose of credit unions: Providing fair and equitable access to financial services. Under her leadership, TFCU has expanded its reach to 14 communities across Southeast Alaska, including five remote microsites that processed over 42,000 transactions last year. In Yakutat, a newly launched microsite quickly reached 39% membership – proof of the trust and need Mickel’s strategy fulfills. She also led the creation of the Native American Credit Union Coalition (NACUC), uniting credit unions serving Indigenous communities to collaborate and improve access to financial services nationwide. Internally, Mickel has built a resilient, mission-driven team through thoughtful wage adjustments, wellness benefits and a culture of empowerment. Her leadership is restoring the heart of cooperative finance and setting a new standard for inclusive, community-driven service.

Keisha L. Richards – St. Thomas Federal Credit Union

Keisha L. Richards has redefined executive leadership in the credit union industry through visionary strategy, operational excellence and community impact. In just 10 years at the helm, Richards has grown STTFCU’s assets by 64%, expanded its investment portfolio from $16 million to $40 million and achieved a 24% capital ratio, far exceeding national benchmarks. For over 10 years, STTFCU’s vision to build a new operational facility was stalled due to complex regulatory requirements. However, through Richards’ strategic foresight, persistence and collaborative approach, she reignited the project and is now leading its successful launch, transforming a long-delayed dream into a reality. Under her guidance, STTFCU also became the first Virgin Islands credit union to join the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, unlocking new funding opportunities for its membership.

Ron Smith – Enbright Credit Union

Ron Smith is a standout leader whose vision, compassion and innovation are transforming the credit union landscape. In the past year, Smith has adopted and launched the Cancer Care Debt Relief Program, an initiative designed to support members facing the financial strain of cancer treatment. The initiative has not only made life-changing differences for members but has also inspired other credit unions across the state of Tennessee to explore or implement similar models. Under his leadership, Enbright has enhanced digital services, improved internal operations and strengthened member and employee engagement. His approach to leadership blends strategic growth with a people-first mindset, ensuring that every innovation is grounded in the needs of the community.

David Savoie – Louisiana Corporate Credit Union

David Savoie exemplifies what it means to be a transformative leader in today’s credit union industry. Despite leading the smallest corporate credit union in the country, he has positioned LaCorp as a competitive, tech-forward, service-driven organization. His vision helped build its SimpliCD program over the past year, increasing participation by 592% year-over-year and ranking LaCorp fourth among 11 corporates. He kept Money Market rates high to ensure LaCorp supported its member credit unions with strong returns and liquidity. This effort added about $70 million in shares to LaCorp’s coffers. David personally advises CEOs, creates custom financial tools and empowers his lean team through a culture of autonomy and professional growth. Savoie also successfully guided LaCorp through the Federal Reserve’s ISO 20022 wire format conversion.

Shonna Shearson – First U. S. Community Credit Union

Since becoming CEO of First U.S. Community Credit Union in 2023, Shonna Shearson has sparked the beginnings of a profound transformation. Stepping into her first role as CEO, she accepted the challenge of revitalizing the $545 million credit union by creating a culture that builds community and leads with care. In just two years, she has modernized product offerings, partnered with a fintech and built a new leadership team. She has implemented a new LOS and digital member application system, begun a branch optimization project and launched the credit union’s rebranding initiative. What sets Shearson apart is her servant leadership. Whether in the lunchroom, the board room or at community event, she is approachable and collaborative, uplifting those around her.

Christine Blake – Cardinal Credit Union

Christine Blake is an exemplary member of the community, underpinned by her leadership efforts to support and strengthen the credit union mission of “people helping people.” She has been instrumental in creating and delivering financial education programs within northeastern Ohio to benefit members and area residents alike. Blake extended her influence to host the first-ever Credit Union Exec Summit for Professional Sports Teams, where she brought together her peers from across the country to talk about deepening community relationships through sports. Her impact on the industry and the local community has not gone unnoticed, demonstrated by the growth of its member base and assets along with the goodwill created among credit unions and through the local communities that Cardinal serves.

William Burke – Day Air Credit Union

Bill Burke is a nationally recognized leader driving growth, innovation and impact. In the past year, he led Day Air through record-setting performance – over $55 million in revenue, $247 million in loans and $11 million in net earnings – while also improving efficiency and deepening community investment. Burke’s strategic foresight fueled the expansion of ITM technology, launched indirect mortgage and treasury management programs, and integrated fintech tools that improve member access and experience. He also championed the largest gain share payout in Day Air history, promoted internal talent and rolled out extensive associate benefits. A visionary and people-first executive, Burke continues to redefine what’s possible for credit unions under $1 billion in assets.

Matthew Gaspari – Tucson Federal Credit Union

Over the past 12 months, Matthew Gaspari has guided TFCU through dynamic growth and innovation, blending emerging technology and banking innovations with a human, member-first approach. Under his leadership, TFCU has maintained a Net Promoter Score of 70–80, reflecting exceptional member satisfaction even amid rapid change. Approximately 85% of member transactions now take place digitally, yet in-person service remains strong – a testament to his vision for hybrid, flexible banking. His ongoing support of the Prospective Leaders Program and commitment to his civic roles, including as a board member for the Arizona Bowl, generates a strong pipeline of leaders in TFCU and in the community. Gaspari is not just leading a credit union — he’s helping shape a stronger, more resilient Tucson, proving that local leadership can drive both institutional success and regional progress.