5 Professionals Hired, Promoted & Recognized at CUs from Utah to Florida

Brenda Fischer was hired as vice president of marketing. Fischer brings extensive experience in brand development, digital strategy and member‑focused communications. In her new role, she will lead all marketing functions, including brand strategy, community engagement and integrated communications, with a focus on expanding the credit union's visibility and enhancing member relationships throughout its service area.

Brian Phillips was promoted to SVP and chief revenue officer. Phillips, who has spent more than a decade with Inspire, most recently served as SVP and chief lending officer. In his new role, he will continue to oversee lending while expanding his responsibilities to support growth across deposits, marketing collaboration, business development and strategic partnerships.

MIDWEST

Ashley Bergren, a mortgage lending sales manager at the $6.2 billion, Madison, Wis.-based UW Credit Union, was named Mortgage Banker of the Year at the Wisconsin Mortgage Banker Association's 11th Annual Best in Business Awards Gala, held in Madison on April 2. Through her role with the Madison-based Own It, Bergren is helping to close the racial homeownership gap in Dane County, having contributed a portion of her real estate transactions to help grow the organization's down payment assistance fund since 2022.

The $1.1 billion, Lansing, Mich.-based LAFCU recognized three retiring board members during its All Staff Day earlier this month.

Mel Place retired after 40 years of service. Place served as LAFCU board vice president and on the Asset/Liability Management and Election committees. A General Motors employee for 41 years, he also held multiple UAW leadership roles, including serving 31 years as chairman of Local 1618. During his tenure, LAFCU transitioned from a federal to a state charter and made the decision to become an early investor in a CUSO, Member Driven Technologies, at a time when very few credit unions were participating in CUSOs.

Tommie G. Culpepper retired after 40 years of service. During his tenure, Culpepper's volunteer service began on LAFCU's credit committee, and later he served as board secretary and was an active member of both the Delinquency and Insurance committees. He supported major initiatives throughout the years, including a merger with Lansing Postal Credit Union and the development of the St. Johns, Mich., branch.

Jere Glen Auvenshine retired after 26 years of service. Auvenshine joined the LAFCU board in 1999 and served as board treasurer. He brought extensive financial expertise from his 39-year career at General Motors, where he served as UAW financial secretary-treasurer. During his time on the LAFCU board, Auvenshine also chaired the committee overseeing CEO contracts, contributing to continuity at the executive level. He also created the annual LAFCU-UAW Picnic in Bradenton, Fla., which brings together about 100 LAFCU members and retirees.

SOUTH

The $3 billion, Dunedin, Fla.-based Achieva Credit Union hired Jim Kreiter Jr. as vice president of direct lending. In his new role, he will oversee strategy and growth across the credit union's direct lending portfolio, supporting members with everything from vehicle purchases to home improvement financing. Kreiter brings extensive experience in consumer lending, sales leadership and portfolio growth, having most recently served in senior lending leadership roles at Pinellas Federal Credit Union ($172 million, Largo, Fla.) and CAMPUS USA Credit Union ($3.8 billion, Newberry, Fla.).

Please send your People news items to Natasha Chilingerian at natasha.chilingerian@arc-network.com.