WEST
The $2.6 billion, Tucson, Ariz.-based Hughes Federal Credit Union announced four promotions.
Rich Griesser was promoted to chief technology officer. He joined Hughes in 2011 as vice president of information technology and has more than 35 years of experience in the credit union industry. He has led a transformational period of growth in IT, focusing on advancing the credit union's digital-first strategy while strengthening internal capabilities. During his tenure at Hughes, he has guided the credit union through a core conversion, multiple digital banking platform conversions and numerous fintech integrations. Before Hughes, Griesser held senior leadership roles in information security, financial auditing and credit union finance.
Elisa Ross was promoted from vice president of marketing to chief experience officer. She has more than 35 years of experience in the credit union industry, including 15 years in executive leadership roles at Hughes. Her background includes leadership roles in sales, service, marketing and community engagement, with a focus on enhancing member experience and promoting long-term financial stability. Ross is actively involved in the community, participating in organizations such as the International Women's Forum, Chambers of Commerce, Global Women's Leadership initiatives, Angel Charity for Children and the GoWest Credit Union Association.
Paul Gordillo was promoted to vice president of information technology. Since joining Hughes in 2016, Gordillo has advanced through multiple technical and leadership roles, playing a key role in modernizing infrastructure, strengthening security and enhancing digital experiences. In his new role, Gordillo oversees enterprise systems, infrastructure operations and core technology initiatives, supporting the credit union's commitment to innovation, security and operational excellence.
Valerie Fanelli was promoted from brand and creative marketing manager to vice president of marketing. She brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, public relations and community engagement. Her background includes leading brand initiatives, campaigns and community partnerships across multiple industries. Fanelli has served as the communications chair for Angel Charity for Children for the past three years.
Jose Lara, president of the $35.3 billion, Tustin, Calif.-based SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, received the Legacy Leader Award from the National Association of Latino Credit Union Professionals (NLCUP) during the annual NLCUP conference themed Sembrando Sueños – Sowing Dreams – held in Long Beach, Calif., from Feb. 1-4. Lara assumed his current role at SchoolsFirst in 2022. In 2006, he was instrumental in establishing Comunidad Latino Federal Credit Union in Santa Ana, Calif., founded on the principle of providing financial services and literacy for underserved immigrant families.
SOUTH
The $5 billion, Orlando, Fla.-based FAIRWINDS Credit Union promoted Wayne Cox to SVP, commercial banking. In his new role, he leads FAIRWINDS' overall commercial and small‑business banking strategy, business development and portfolio management. Cox most recently served as regional vice president, commercial banking, one of several key leadership roles he has held during his 13‑year career with FAIRWINDS. He has more than 30 years of experience in commercial and small business banking, underwriting, portfolio management and investment management. Cox is Board Certified in Mutual Funds (BCM) and is a Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) through the Institute of Business & Finance. He also holds Series 7 and Series 63 licenses, as well as Florida Life, Health and Variable Annuity licenses. Throughout his career, he has served on several boards and committees, including Florida Citrus Sports and the YMCA.
The $3.1 billion, Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) promoted Ryan Henn to vice president of business and commercial services. Henn succeeds Tommy Nix, who is retiring in March after 11 years of service to the credit union. In his new role, Henn will provide strategic leadership for TVFCU's business and commercial services division, overseeing all business and commercial functions of the credit union as well as its signature "Idea Leap" grants and loans. Henn has been with TVFCU since 2015, advancing through roles of increasing responsibility including business lender, business and commercial services manager, and most recently assistant vice president of business and commercial services. Before joining TVFCU, he worked in community banking and with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center. Henn is a graduate of the Southeast School of Banking (Vanderbilt University) and is a Certified Credit Union Business Lending Professional (University of Wisconsin). He serves as Board chair of Y-CAP, is a Metro Board member at the YMCA and sits on the CHI Memorial Foundation PINK! Sponsorship Committee. He is also a graduate of the Leadership Chattanooga Class of 2019.
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