BILLINGS, Mont.—Altana FCU has named a new president/CEO to succeed the retiring Rhonda Diefenderfer. The $351-million AFCU has selected Jason Hagadone to lead the organization, effective in May.
Hagadone most recently served as VP of business lending, after having first joined Altana FCU in 2013. He had previously held positions in retail banking at Wells Fargo and later in commercial lending at Stockman Bank.
“I’m excited to begin this new chapter in Altana’s long and storied history,” said Hagadone. “We’ll continue to expand upon the foundation that Rhonda has built, and I look forward to contributing to our growth and success moving forward."
Board Chairman Richard A. Nauman said Hagadone’s active commitment to the counties and members Altana serves aligns well with the organization’s community driven values, something Diefenderfer has significantly invested in over the course of her tenure as president/CEO.
The credit union notes that when Diefenderfer assumed the president/CEO role in 2001, growth and expansion was also at the forefront of her vision, and the CU has grown from two branches with $56 million in assets to seven branches serving seven counties and assets approaching $400 million.
“It’s been an amazing 20 years and a true honor and privilege to have served as Altana’s President/CEO,” says Diefenderfer. “I leave behind an incredible team that is ready and able to lead Altana into the next 20 years. I’m excited to watch it all happen from the sidelines.”