ALBANY, N.Y. – CAP COM Federal Credit Union has announced a new president and CEO following the retirement of its current CEO.
The $1.5-billion CAP COM FCU said Paula Stopera, its current president/CEO, will retire in late May 2019, and that Christopher McKenna, EVP and chief lending officer of its mortgage subsidiary, Homeowners Advantage, will succeed her.
Stopera began her career at CAP COM in 1980 as a member relationship officer, and has been president/CEO for the past 15 years. Stopera also serves as treasurer on the CAP COM FCU board, and on the Board of Managers of The CAP COM Group, a set of subsidiaries of CAP COM Federal Credit Union.
Stopera joined CAP COM 39 years ago when there was one branch and nine employees. Today, the CU has 11 Capital Region branches and employs just under 400 people. CAP COM has also grown to approximately 140,000 members.
‘Greatest Achievement’
“One of Paula’s greatest achievements was establishing the CAP COM Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003,” the credit union said. “The Foundation.gives back to the community by supporting health and wellness programs; financial literacy and education initiatives; and causes that help underprivileged families. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated nearly $4 million and 30,000+ volunteer hours to make a difference for thousands of Capital Region individuals and families. This is accomplished through the generosity of Paula, staff, volunteers, and members of CAP COM Federal Credit Union. The Foundation partners with more than 100 local organizations to help address community needs throughout the year. Stopera set the groundwork for the Foundation’s development, and because of her relationships with so many organizations, the CAP COM Cares Foundation will continue to grow.”
Under Stopera’s leadership, CAP COM has been honored by being named a Best Place to Work in several rankings, and as the Best Credit Union and for providing the Best Customer Service in several other rankings.
While at CAP COM, Stopera has also been very active in the Capital Region community, including having served as 2018 Chair for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce and on the Advisory Council to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. She is a past recipient of the Chamber’s Women of Excellence Awards, as well as the 2011 recipient of their Arthur Kapner Spirit Award. Paula is also a past recipient of The “Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award – Corporation” from Girls, Inc., as well as the Hudson Valley Community College Otto V. Guenther Career Achievement Award.
Stopera was named Professional of the Year in 2008 by the New York Credit Union Association.
‘So Much Has Changed’
“So much has changed in the world since I was hired as a CAP COM employee 39 years ago,” said Stopera in a statement. “Leading the credit union asp and CEO since 2004, through times of immense change, has been demanding, sometimes daunting, and thrilling. This has been the career of a lifetime. The CAP COM Cares Foundation will continue to be a focus of mine in the future. Forming the Foundation has been a personal highlight.”
Stopera’s successor, McKenna, has been with the credit union for nearly a decade.
“I am honored to represent our members as the next CEO,” he said. “The organization has a deep foundation of providing superior service, and the entire staff shares this goal.” stated McKenna. “We will focus on continuing to provide members with one-on-one guidance and support in the moments that matter the most. Meanwhile, we will invest in technology to make it easier for members to save money, afford major purchases, protect their assets and family, and make plans for the future. Technology is also a great way to organize our community outreach efforts.”