GLENDORA, Calif.–America’s Christian Credit Union has named a new president and CEO. The credit union has selected Vicki VannBerstein to lead the organization and succeed the retiring CEO, Mendell Thompson, who has served for 34 years and been employed at ACCU for 43.
VannBerstein was previous EVP/CFO with FirstLight FCU in El Paso, Texas. Prior to that, she was EVP and CFO with ServiceLink, the mortgage lending service for Fidelity National in Pittsburgh. She also directed a financial turnaround at PSCU Financial Services as SVP/CFO, and subsequently as EVP for Shared Services at PSCU.
In addition to her credit union experience, VannBerstein has also served as VP and controller with Tropicana with responsibility for the U.S. and Latin America, as well as VP and controller with the Swanson & Vlasic Division of Campbell Soup Company. Prior to that she held various financial management positions of Kraft General Foods.
“I have always felt privileged that the Lord has blessed me in the strength of my family as I grew up, education, career, husband, children, and now this opportunity to assume the role of CEO of America’s Christian Credit Union,” VannBerstein said. “I feel God has chosen this path for me.”
‘Not Walking Alone’
Having grown up in Philadelphia and nurtured at church, “Vicki testifies that in her adolescence while at one of the youth camps she attended,” the credit union said, “One evening under brilliant stars I accepted Jesus as my Savior,” VanBerstein added. “I was growing in consciousness in the belief that I was not walking alone but had Jesus at my side.”
Thompson said he is pleased with the announcement of his successor.
“I am honored by the selection of Vicki to succeed me as ACCU’s president/CEO. Her strong educational background, wide range of business experience, and her demonstrated leadership skills in the CU industry make her an ideal selection,” he said. “I’m confident she will advance ACCU’s mission and sustain our financial strength and high standards of member service.”
Added Board Chair Rev. Dr. Kevin Mannoia, “We are grateful to God for the good work Mendell has done and the way the Credit Union has grown during Mendell’s years. The future is bright and we look forward to Vicki’s leadership.”