EAST
The $3.9 billion, Smithfield, R.I.-based Navigant Credit Union hired Richard Ptaszek as SVP/director of security. Ptaszek most recently completed a nearly 30-year career with the Rhode Island State Police, where he specialized in financial-related investigations. In his role as lieutenant, Ptaszek led the department’s Financial Crimes Unit, which was tasked with investigating complex financial cases across the state and protecting Rhode Islanders from fraud and financial abuse. He previously held leadership roles within the Rhode Island State Fusion Center, Major Crimes Unit and Gaming Enforcement Unit. In his new role, Ptaszek will oversee the physical security of the credit union’s network of branch locations and the long-term efforts of enhancing Navigant’s methods of mitigating fraud and related losses across all delivery channels and business lines. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner and Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, and holds a master’s degree in accounting from Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I.
The $1.6 billion, Pittsfield, Mass.-based Greylock Federal Credit Union hired William A. Fontes as vice president and manager of business banking. In his new role as a key member of the commercial lending department, Fontes will lead Greylock’s business banking team while building relationships and strengthening services for Greylock members through commercial lending and business banking products. He will also provide critical leadership through strategic oversight and expansion of Greylock’s annual business development plan and goals for local markets. Fontes holds an MBA in finance and entrepreneurship from Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.
SOUTH
The $1.8 billion, Sumter, S.C.-based SAFE Federal Credit Union promoted Randy Blanchette to vice president of electronic services. Blanchette, who joined SAFE in 2022, previously served as director of payments. He has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, specifically in electronic services, and specializes in overseeing payment systems, online banking platforms and digital service innovations. In his new role, he will lead SAFE’s electronic services initiatives, including enhancements to its digital banking solutions.
The $4.3 billion, Biloxi, Miss.-based Keesler Federal Credit Union hired Catherine Shutts into the newly-created position of chief people officer. Shutts brings over 30 years of human resources experience, having most recently spent seven years as EVP of HR at Prosperity Bank in Houston. She has also served as a leader within the global oil and gas, nonprofit, manufacturing and contingent staffing sectors.
LEAGUES
The League of Credit Unions, which represents credit unions across Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Virginia, hired Nadine Slocum to its advocacy team as senior director of governmental affairs in Virginia. Slocum brings more than a decade of state and federal experience in government relations, advocacy and strategic communications. She previously served as communications director and chief of staff in the Virginia State House and Senate, and as Policy Advisor at a top 100 international law firm, managing portfolios for Fortune 100 companies and foreign governments. Her background spans defense, foreign relations, labor and technology, and she is well-versed in lobbying compliance.
Luminate, the professional trade association serving credit unions in Louisiana, named Angela Gervais director of political advocacy and credit union success. In her new role, she expands her responsibilities beyond advocacy to include direct support for credit unions across Louisiana. Gervais will bring her grassroots advocacy expertise to the front lines of member engagement, ensuring credit unions are empowered with the tools, strategies and support they need to thrive. She has held a variety of positions over her 25-year career in the credit union movement.
TRADES
The World Council of Credit Unions’ (WOCCU) Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) named Kassandra Schroeder director of its World Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) and Global Credit Union Development Education (Global DE) initiatives. Schroeder has more than a decade of experience at WOCCU, starting as a registration assistant at the 2015 World Credit Union Conference and since managing dozens of events for both WOCCU and WFCU. A PCMA-certified Digital Experience Strategist and CUDE, she led WOCCU and WFCU to pivot to virtual engagements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schroeder eventually assumed the role of virtual engagements and special events manager, spearheading the launch of a permanent virtual platform to expand programming for both WOCCU and WFCU. The WYCUP program serves as a global connector for young industry leaders, offering an annual scholarship that provides engagement and educational opportunities at the annual World Credit Union Conference and other WOCCU international events. The Global DE program is designed to provide credit union employees and volunteers with greater information about and access to the International Credit Union Development Educator Designation, which is available to DE Program Alumni who meet a certain level of international experience.
Please send your People news items to Natasha Chilingerian at nchilingerian@cutimes.com.
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